The UN Committee against Torture (UNCAT) has today issued its concluding
observations, following Ireland's first examination in Geneva last month
under Article 19 of the UN Convention against Torture and Other Cruel,
Inhumane or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.
The Committee in its statement has acknowledged Ireland's commitment to
engage with them in a constructive manner. Additionally, the Committee has
commended Ireland for the detailed written replies supplied by the Irish
delegation to the Committee during the formal examination hearing, and for
the significant and ongoing progress made by the authorities in recent
years in areas such as the prevention of domestic violence and human
trafficking.
The Committee's concluding observations cover a wide range of different
areas, from prison conditions to the total prohibition of corporal
punishment, the Magdalen Laundries, the follow-up to the Ryan Report and
the processing of applications for refugee status. These observations
impact on the remit of several Government Departments. It is worth noting,
for example, that the Committee has recommended that Ireland should adopt
specific time frames for the construction of new prison facilities which
comply with international standards.
The Minister for Justice and Equality will, in conjunction with his cabinet
colleagues, closely examine the concluding observations and recommendations
of the Committee.
The Government will, in due course, communicate with the Committee about
the points raised.