Written answers

Thursday, 10 November 2005

Department of Foreign Affairs

International Agreements

5:00 pm

Photo of Brendan HowlinBrendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Question 37: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the reason Ireland, having voted for the optional protocol to the UN Convention Against Torture at the UNGA, has not gone on to sign the protocol, or to proceed with its ratification. [33496/05]

Photo of Dermot AhernDermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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On 18 December 2002, the Third Committee of the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Draft Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment, OP-CAT. Ireland, along with other EU partners, fully supported the draft optional protocol and worked for its adoption at the UN General Assembly and the Commission on Human Rights.

The object of the protocol is to establish a system of regular visits undertaken both by an independent international body and by national bodies to places of detention with a view to preventing torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. The international body is to be a sub-committee of the UN Committee against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment. At the national level, states may maintain, designate or establish one or several bodies for the prevention of torture at the domestic level.

As regards our signature of the optional protocol, with a view to subsequent ratification, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform informed the Dáil on Tuesday, 8 November, that he is reviewing national legislation to ascertain whether legislative changes would be required before signature and ratification of the optional protocol. I understand that he has commenced consultations with other Departments and bodies, including the Department of Health and Children and the Department of Education and Science, on arrangements for the inspection of institutions for which they are responsible.

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