Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein)
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Question 90: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to ratify without delay the Optional Protocol to the UN Convention Against Torture; and to establish effective national preventative mechanisms under the Protocol. [22672/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Ratification of the Optional Protocol to the United Nations Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (OP-CAT) requires legislation. OP-CAT provides for a system of inspections of places of detention at UN level, and at national level by what the optional protocol refers to as National Preventative Mechanisms. The Deputy will be aware that a number of bodies in this jurisdiction already have responsibility for inspecting places of detention. The Government has approved the drafting of a General Scheme of an Inspection of Places of Detention Bill, which will include provisions to enable ratification of OP-CAT. The Bill will make provision for the designation of National Preventative Mechanisms. Subject to competing legislative priorities, it is expected that the General Scheme will be published in mid 2012. When work on preparation of the General Scheme has been completed, I will be seeking Government approval for its publication to facilitate a consultation process in advance of drafting and publication of the Bill. Arrangements will be made to ratify the optional protocol as soon as possible after the necessary legislation has been enacted.