Joanna Tuffy (Labour)

I move amendment No. 1:

In page 3, after line 37, to insert the following:

"(e) Protocol No. 13 to the Convention concerning the abolition of the death penalty in all circumstances, done at Vilnius on the 3rd day of May, 2002;"

This amendment was also discussed on Committee Stage. I have tabled it again because, as Protocol No. 13 will come into force in less than two weeks – on 1 July – it should be incorporated in the legislation. I have read the report of the Committee Stage debate and I cannot understand the Government's reasoning in not including Protocol No. 13 at this stage because it will come into effect and is similar to what is contained in the Constitution. Protocol No. 6 will be superseded by Protocol No. 13, which is stronger and absolutely prohibits the death penalty.

I would like to hear the Minister of State's comments. I hope he has reconsidered the position since Committee Stage.