Commenting on the Government’s response to 50 outstanding human rights recommendations made to Ireland last year by UN member states, Sinn Féin’s spokesperson on justice and equality said that while there were some positives, the bulk of the report comprised “dodgy” and “ludicrous” claims.
Jonathan O’Brien TD said: “For the most part, the Government’s response is a bit dodgy. For example, they claim they are aiming to deliver a health service based on need not income, but the proposed universal health insurance system will not actually do this.
“They make the frankly ludicrous claim that the Government’s housing policy is to enable all households to access good quality housing appropriate to household circumstances.
“Even a casual glance at the Government’s approach to housing, which prioritises home ownership, would tell you that this is not the case.”
The TD for Cork North Central also took issue with the lack of legislation to protect children’s rights.
“UN member states urged the Government to incorporate children’s rights into Irish law. The Government says it will do this and amend the Constitution accordingly.
“But this constitutional amendment will only be concerned with children’s rights concerning adoption and guardianship. It will not enshrine broader socio-economic rights in the Constitution as the UN recommended.”
O’Brien added: “It is simply not true to say that Irish law is in conformity with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, and fundamentally dishonest of the Government to suggest that they have accepted many of these recommendations in full.”
The Sinn Féin spokesperson said that if the Government’s decision-makers are genuine in their responses, “they must demonstrate their commitment” by showing how they will deliver on those promises.
