Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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Question 114: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the initiatives Ireland has taken to achieve the implementation of conventions (details supplied). [30896/07]

Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Governing Body of the International Labour Office (ILO) has identified eight conventions as "fundamental", covering subjects that are considered as fundamental principles and rights at work: freedom of association of and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining; the elimination of all forms of forced or compulsory labour; the effective abolition of child labour; and the elimination of discrimination in respect of employment and occupation. These principles are also covered in the ILOs Declaration of on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work (1998). The Deputy in his question refers to six of the eight core Conventions.

Ireland fully supported the adoption of the ILOs Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, at the International Labour Conference, in June 1998. This commits all of the ILO's more than 180 member states to respect the principles inherent in the eight core labour standards and to respect, promote and realise their universal application. Ireland has also ratified all the eight core standards.

Ireland only ratifies those ILO Conventions, which are in conformity with our existing national law and practice. To that extent, in ratification, we are fully adhering to the core objectives established in each of the ILO Conventions which is reflected in national practice. Specifically, the enactment of legislation by the Oireachtas across the full range of fundamental labour and social rights underpins the realisation of the standards set in the core ILO Conventions. These core values are also being realised through the delivery of commitments entered into, for example, in National Partnership Agreements.

Ireland has consistently supported the International Labour Organisation in its efforts to realise and implement core labour standards and will continue to do so. Ireland's continuing progress in the achievement of these goals is subject to ongoing review and evaluation by the ILO itself, in consultation with the Social Partners.