Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

137. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the actions his Department has taken to allow for the implementation of the Istanbul convention; if his Department has any engagement with the Department of Justice and Equality on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48568/14]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The signature and ratification of the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence Against Women i.e. the Istanbul Convention, has been the subject of engagement between my Department and the Department of Justice and Equality.

While signing the Convention, as a first step towards ratification, will of itself impose no obligations on Ireland, it is prudent to be aware of the legislative, administrative or other issues which will require attention prior to Ireland being in a position to ratify the Convention.

The current position is that my Department is nearing completion of its consideration of the provisions of the Convention with a view to assisting in establishing Ireland's capability to fully meet the obligations that arise for Parties to the Convention. The action my Department has taken to-date in that connection has involved examination of relevant articles of the Convention from a legal perspective and consultation with the Child and Family Agency in relation to the services it provides for the care and protection of victims of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence.

It is my intention to convey my views in the matter to my colleague the Minister for Justice and Equality at an early date.