A/HRC/19/9 82. Austria commended Ireland for its efforts in combating domestic, sexual and gender-based violence, including the adoption of a National Women’s Strategy and enquired whether Ireland was considering an independent assessment of the Strategy as recommended by the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women. Austria requested an update on the work of the expert group established to examine the possibility of constructing a new prison. Austria commended Ireland for its commitment to ratify the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and requested further information on the intention of Ireland to ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention. Austria made recommendations. 83. Denmark was encouraged by the commitment of the Government of Ireland to improve prison conditions in the country, including new and re-commissioned prison cell accommodation with in-cell sanitation. It welcomed Ireland’s intention to convene a constitutional convention to consider the need for comprehensive constitutional reform, including consideration of the need for strengthening children and women’s rights. Denmark asked what the Government would do to ensure that the merger of the Human Rights Commission and the Equality Authority would enhance and strengthen Irish human rights and equality structures. Denmark made recommendations. 84. Sweden welcomed the recent establishment of a separate government ministry specifically dedicated to children and youth affairs and hoped that this would expedite the closure of reported gaps in the protection and promotion of children’s rights. Sweden made recommendations. 85. Ireland explained that the work of the Constitutional convention was expected to include a review of the provisions in relation to the role of women and the family. New legislation enacted in 2011 contains further protections for women who experience domestic violence. The Government intends to introduce a consolidated Domestic Violence Bill in 2012. In relation to comments about inter-prisoner violence the delegation rejected the assertion that the issue was particularly bad in Irish prisons. The delegation noted that Ireland has a comprehensive social protection infrastructure. The National Action Plan for Social Inclusion 2007-2016 demonstrates the Government’s commitment to combating poverty and building an inclusive society. The Government is aware of the difficulties which have arisen with regards to what have been termed “sham marriages”. An Garda Síochána is liaising with the law enforcement authorities in other jurisdictions, within and outside the EU, for the purpose of combating criminality associated with marriages of convenience. The provisions of the Immigration and Residence Protection Bill are being actively examined to identify any further amendments which can be made to tackle the problems associated with such marriages. The Delegation stated that a co-ordinated approach by European Union member States is required in order to deal with the issue. 86. Spain recognized the full respect for human rights in Ireland, as reflected in the country’s accession to most international human rights conventions; the open and standing invitation extended to the United Nations special procedures, as well as the existence of the Irish National Human Commission, which has “A” status, the protection of minors and human rights training of armed forces. Spain noted however that there were still areas that needed improvement. Spain made recommendations. 87. Peru congratulated Ireland on the broad consultations in the drafting of its national report, specifically the initiative to create an internet portal where inputs can be submitted. Peru recognized significant progress made by Ireland through the establishment of national bodies, inter alia, the Irish Human Rights Commission, the National Authority for Disabilities. Peru also commended Ireland for its attempts to promote human rights training at various levels in the nation. Peru made recommendations. 11