Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 November 2025
422. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if she will provide an update on the State's preparations for ratification of the Second Optional Protocol before the end of 2025; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [62554/25]
View answerThe Government is firmly committed to ratification of the Second Optional Protocol to the UNCRC, and work is ongoing to ratify the protocol as soon as possible.
In Irish treaty practice, the State must be in a position to meet the obligations it assumes under the terms of an international agreement from the moment it enters into force. Often it will not be possible for the State to meet these obligations without first taking steps required by domestic law, or otherwise, enabling it to do so.
As work towards ratification of the protocol continues, the State is obliged to ensure that all legislative provisions are in place for it to meet these obligations. Considering this, the Department is seeking the advice of the Office of the Attorney General. As soon as we can proceed with ratification of the Second Optional Protocol, we will do so without delay.
