Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 December 2025
536. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality for an updated timeline to ratify the second optional protocol of the UNCRC; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [71192/25]
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.
