25 years on, health and housing rights still not enshrined in law

On 31 March of this year the Constitutional Convention recommended to the Government, by an overwhelming majority of 85%, that economic, social and cultural (ESC) rights, such as healthcare, housing and social security, be given enhanced protection in the Irish Constitution. 

Under the terms of the Convention, the Government committed to respond to its recommendations within four months. Disappointingly they have yet to do so on this issue.

Ireland ratified the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) in 1989. This treaty was devised, negotiated and agreed to by states, including Ireland. Yet almost 25 years later, these rights remain largely unprotected in Ireland. This is despite a growing international trend to make these rights legally enforceable.