asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his Department are now in a position to indicate that the Government can sign the United Nations' covenant on human rights; and if he will outline the domestic legislation which will be required, in addition to existing statutes, to enable us to comply with the obligations of that covenant.
Ceisteanna—Questions . Oral Answers . - U.N. Human Rights Covenant .
13.
: Ireland has signed the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic Social and Cultural Rights.
The major obstacle to immediate ratification of the Covenant on Civil and Political Rights is the absence of domestic legislation dealing with racial discrimination. As a result of consultations with Departments concerned I trust that I will soon be in a position to clear the way so that we may ratify this covenant.
As to the Covenant on Economic Social and Cultural Rights, I am advised that we are already in a position to ratify. However, it would be preferable to ratify both covenants at the same time as this is customary in the case of this covenant and the Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
: I do not wish to make this sound a small or a niggly matter, but will the Minister not agree there is a major incongruity in Ireland being a member of the Security Council on the one hand and on the other hand not being in a position to sign? Secondly, will he not agree that with the benefit of his experience at one time in the Department of Justice he should be aware of the technicalities involved in bringing forward legislation which will not be contentious, and that there is an obligation to cut through the considerable obstructionist red tape in the Department of Justice to get this enabling legislation tabled and passed by this House.
: It is highly desirable to ratify both these covenants and I hope to have the legislation before the House soon. I agree with much of what the Deputy has said.
: I will keep the Minister to his promise.
: I hope the Deputy will.