‘Deeply frustrating’ – Kilkenny TD slams Government’s failure to ratify international convention on child abuse

The Government is failing in its duty to protect victims by signing up to the Lanzorote convention on preventing child abuse, a Kilkenny TD has said.

Deputy Kathleen Funchion spoke out after Armenia formally ratified the agreement, meaning Ireland is now the only Council of Europe member state that has yet to ratify it.

The Kilkenny TD, who is the Sinn Féin spokesperson for children, said: “This is a vital convention which leads the way internationally in outlining key measures to protect children against many forms of abuse. It helps European countries to work together in order to identify and prosecute abusers and to ensure a co-ordinated approach to child protection internationally.

“Ireland has already signed the convention but has consistently failed to follow through by ratifying it. A matter of this importance cannot sit in a file gathering dust. We must prioritise ensuring it is ratified.

“The delays so far are deeply frustrating and cannot continue. I am calling on the Government to ensure this is prioritised as a matter of urgency.”