The Committee against Torture monitors the UN Convention against torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.

1. The present document is the first national report by Ireland on the measures taken in this State to give effect to the undertakings under the United Nations Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment as required under article 19 of that Convention.

2. The report consists of a number of parts.

3. Part I describes the general political structure of the State and the legal framework within which human rights are protected within the State.

4. Part II contains a series of chapters devoted to the various articles of the Convention and demonstrates how Ireland has sought to comply with them. In the interests of clarity, the information provided in the context of each article or sub-article relates directly to the specific article or sub-article under discussion in that particular chapter.

5. Part III of the report contains details of the views of interested third parties on Ireland’s compliance with the Convention, which were received following a public invitation issued by the State. The State also provides its response to the various matters raised by these individuals and organisations.