Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent)
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Question 444: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the document Council of Europe Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities Ireland, which was adopted recently, is in the public domain; if not, when this document will be available for public inspection; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34290/06]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I understand that the Deputy has in mind the Opinion on Ireland adopted by the Advisory Committee, established under the Council of Europe's Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities, during its plenary session on 3-6 October. In line with our commitment to fulfilling our obligations under this multilateral instrument, Ireland has given its consent that the Opinion can be made public via the Council's website upon its receipt. The document is currently being finalised by the Committee's Secretariat before it is officially communicated to the relevant Irish authorities later this week.

The Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities specifies the legal principles States must undertake to respect in order to ensure the protection of national minorities within their borders. The Opinion adopted by the Advisory Committee is based on information provided in Ireland's Second State Report under the Framework Convention, based on submissions from relevant Departments and the Garda Síochána, submitted last December. The report covered legislative and administrative measures in place to protect the rights of national minorities in Ireland. It highlighted issues such as education, employment, health care, access to goods and services, accommodation and combating racism. Members of the Advisory Committee subsequently visited Ireland in May, meeting with relevant Departments, independent state agencies and non-governmental contacts.