A/HRC/33/17 75. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela noted the ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on a communications procedure. It welcomed the policies aimed at promoting the equality and integration of Roma and Travellers and praised the Irish Refugee Protection Programme. 76. Algeria welcomed the adoption of the Children Act in 2015, but was concerned at the increase in food insecurity and malnutrition, about the impact of austerity measures on health care, education and social security, and about gender inequality. 77. Andorra welcomed measures aimed at combating domestic, sexual and gender-based violence through, inter alia, the adoption of the second national strategy thereon. It appreciated the 2015 draft criminal law protecting children against sexual abuse. 78. Argentina commended Ireland for establishing the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission and acknowledged its progress in combating discrimination. 79. Armenia welcomed the establishment of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, the Court of Appeal and the police reform programme. 80. The delegation of Ireland explained that most children were educated in publicly funded schools. It was reported that principles of equality were set out in the relevant enactments and schools’ enrolment policies had to be applied fairly to all applicants. 81. The patronage divestment process created a greater choice of primary schools in areas where there was insufficient demographic need for new school provision. In areas with population growth, the process for establishing new schools took account of parental preferences. Since 2011, 42 new schools had opened, 39 of which had a multidenominational ethos. The new Programme for Government included a commitment that the Government would aim to have 400 multi-denominational or non-denominational schools by 2030. The Education (Admission to Schools) Bill contained important changes to make enrolment policies fairer and more transparent. 82. The National Plan for Equity of Access to Higher Education 2015-2019 aimed to assist underrepresented groups, including members of the Traveller community, to participate in tertiary education. 83. Since its last review, Ireland had introduced child protection legislation, including legislation to ensure that criminal convictions or other information giving rise to concern about someone working with or seeking to work with children was disclosed appropriately. It was mandatory for persons working with children or vulnerable adults to be vetted. The defence of reasonable chastisement in relation to corporal punishment had been abolished. 84. The Child and Family Agency had funding of €676 million in 2016 and brought a dedicated focus to child protection, family support and other key children’s services. It was responsible for a range of services. 85. Australia welcomed the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission and its first strategy statement. Australia commended Ireland for its engagement with civil society, holding a referendum on children’s rights and progress in improving prison conditions. 86. Azerbaijan was concerned about intolerance and discrimination against non-citizens, ill-treatment and harassment of minorities and incitement to violence and hate speech against them, anti-Semitic and Islamophobic manifestations, prison conditions and domestic and sexual violence against women. 87. Bahrain was concerned about the prevalence of domestic and sexual violence against women, which remained serious, and women’s underrepresentation in the public and private sectors. GE.16-12337 9