Seanad debates
Wednesday, 18 June 2003
European Convention on Human Rights Bill 2001: Second Stage.
The provisions in the Bill will alter the current position fundamentally because they will facilitate the bringing of cases concerning alleged breaches of rights under the convention before Irish courts. We fully accept that from here on we will have two complementary systems in place in Ireland for the protection of fundamental human rights. As the Minister said, the superior rules under the Constitution will take precedence. That is right and proper. The Bill of Rights under the convention will be enforceable in Irish courts, which will speed up the mechanism through which people are prosecuted in this way. This is to be welcomed.
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