Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in
Book cover

Handbook of Human Dignity in Europe pp 431–451Cite as

Human Dignity in Ireland

  • Reference work entry
  • First Online:

  • 1146 Accesses

Abstract

Due to the lack of any express reference to a right to human dignity in the Irish Constitution, there are many unanswered questions as to the legal basis, scope, limitations and nature of the right to human dignity in Ireland. This chapter explores these legal questions through an analysis of the case law of the superior courts, legislation and relevant academic literature in Ireland. The chapter identifies a right to human dignity as one of the many personal capacity rights protected impliedly by Article 40 of the Irish Constitution and determines that the right is now justiciable before the Irish courts. The right to human dignity has been interpreted in a rather functional manner which means that the right is not absolute but is subject to certain limitations in the interests of the common good, to protect the rights and freedoms of others and, rather uniquely, in certain cases to protect the best interests of the individual. While there are many judicial pronouncements on the right to human dignity, there is no express legislative or constitutional protection which has hindered both its use and development. It is, therefore, concluded that in order to ensure the greatest protection of the right and to assist in the development of other constitutional rights, such as economic, social and cultural rights, the right to human dignity should be expressly protected by the Irish Constitution.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution.

Chapter
USD   29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD   599.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Hardcover Book
USD   799.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Learn about institutional subscriptions

Notes

  1. 1.

    Officially referred to as Bunreacht na hÉireann 1937 (hereinafter referred to as the “Irish Constitution”), the Preamble states that the “dignity and freedom of the individual may be assured”.

  2. 2.

    Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act, section 2 defines “dignity” as “the inviolable intrinsic value, equal to other persons, that the person has and includes the recognising by other persons of such value with respect to that person”.

  3. 3.

    In Re Article 26 and the Offences Against the State (Amendment) Bill [1940] 1 IR 470, 478 (per O’Sullivan J.). For further academic discussion on this case see: Keane (2010), Hogan (1990).

  4. 4.

    In Re Article 26 and the Offences Against the State (Amendment) Bill, supra n. 3, 478 (per O’Sullivan J.).

  5. 5.

    Buckley and Others (Sinn Féin) v Attorney General and Others [1950] IR 67 80, 81 (per O’Byrne J.).

  6. 6.

    Buckley and Others (Sinn Féin) v Attorney General and Others, supra n. 5, 81 (per O’Byrne J.).

  7. 7.

    Buckley and Others (Sinn Féin) v Attorney General and Others, supra n. 5, 81 (per O’Byrne J.).

  8. 8.

    In the Matter of Philip Clarke and In the Matter of the Courts of Justice Act, 1924 and In the Matter of the Constitution [1950] IR 235, 241 (per Gavan Duffy J.).

  9. 9.

    Norris v Attorney General [1984] 1 IR 36, 56 (per O’Higgins CJ.).

  10. 10.

    Norris v Attorney General, supra n. 9, 56 (per O’Higgins CJ.).

  11. 11.

    Norris v Attorney General, supra n. 9, 56 (per O’Higgins CJ.).

  12. 12.

    Ryan v Attorney General [1965] 1IR 294. For further discussion on the impact of this case see: Mullally (1998).

  13. 13.

    Ryan v Attorney General, supra n. 12, 313 (per Kenny J.).

  14. 14.

    Ryan v Attorney General, supra n. 12, 313 (per Kenny J.).

  15. 15.

    MX v Health Service Executive [2012] IEHC 491, paragraph 52 (per McMenamin J.). For further commentary on this case see Boyle (2014).

  16. 16.

    The State (Healy) v Donoghue [1976] 1 IR 325, 349 (per O’Higgins CJ.). For a recent discussion on this case see Whelan (2011).

  17. 17.

    The State (Healy) v Donoghue, supra n. 16, 349 (per O’Higgins CJ.).

  18. 18.

    In Re a Ward of Court [1996] 2 IR 79, 163 (per Denham J.).

  19. 19.

    In Re a Ward of Court, supra n. 19, 163 (per Denham J.).

  20. 20.

    See for example the case of Foy v An T-Ard/Chláraitheoir [2002] 7 JIC 0904.

  21. 21.

    Attorney General v Damache [2015] IEHC 339, paragraph 11.10.81 (per Donnolly J.); MEO v Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform [2012] IEHC 545, paragraph 31 (per Hogan J.).

  22. 22.

    Connolly v Governor of Wheatfield Prison [2013] IEHC 334, paragraph 14 (per Hogan J.); Fleming v Ireland and Others [2013] IESC 19, paragraph 39 (per Denham CJ.). See also CC v Ireland (2005) IESC 48, paragraph 63 (per Geoghegan J.); Sinnott v Minister for Education [2001] IESC 63, section 6 (per Denham J.). See also the academic support of this particular legal base: Cotter (2013), Smith (2012).

  23. 23.

    Foy v An T-Ard/Chlaraitheoir, supra n. 20 (per McKechnie J.).

  24. 24.

    Foy v An T-Ard/Chlaraitheoir, supra n. 20, paragraph 140 (per McKechnie J.).

  25. 25.

    Buckley and Others (Sinn Féin) v Attorney General and Others, supra n. 5, 80 (per O’Byrne J.).

  26. 26.

    Buckley and Others (Sinn Féin) v Attorney General and Others, supra n. 5, 80 (per O’Byrne J.).

  27. 27.

    In the Matter of Philip Clarke and In the Matter of the Courts of Justice Act, 1924 and in the Matter of the Constitution, supra n. 8, 241 (per Gavan Duffy P.).

  28. 28.

    In the Matter of Philip Clarke and In the Matter of the Courts of Justice Act, 1924 and in the Matter of the Constitution, supra n. 8, 241 (per Gavan Duffy P.).

  29. 29.

    See McGee v Attorney General [1974] 1 IR 284, 326 (per Henchy J.).

  30. 30.

    McGee v Attorney General, supra n. 29, 326 (per Henchy J.).

  31. 31.

    The State (Healy) v Donoghue, supra n. 16, 335 (per Gannon J.).

  32. 32.

    G v An Bord/Uchtála [1980] 1 IR 32.

  33. 33.

    G v An Bord/Uchtála, supra n. 32, 56 (per O’Higgins CJ.).

  34. 34.

    G v An Bord/Uchtála, supra n. 32, 55 (per O’Higgins CJ.).

  35. 35.

    G v An Bord/Uchtála, supra n. 32, 56 (per O’Higgins CJ.).

  36. 36.

    G v An Bord/Uchtála, supra n. 32, 56 (per O’Higgins CJ.).

  37. 37.

    Kennedy v Ireland [1987] 1 IR 587, 593 (per Hamilton P.).

  38. 38.

    Kennedy v Ireland, supra n. 37, 594 (per Hamilton P.).

  39. 39.

    McKinley v Minister for Defence [1992] 2 IR 333, 350 (per Hederman J.).

  40. 40.

    Attorney General v Hamilton [1993] 2 IR 250, 258 (per O’Hanlon J.).

  41. 41.

    In Re a Ward of Court, supra n. 18, 167 (per Denham J.) and 94 (per Lynch J.).

  42. 42.

    In Re a Ward of Court, supra n. 18, 167 (per Denham J.) and 94 (per Lynch J.).

  43. 43.

    Foy v An T-Ard/Chlaraitheoir, supra n. 20, paragraphs 1, 64 and 86 (per McKechnie J.) relying on the cases of Norris, Kennedy and In Re a Ward of Court as evidence in support of the right at paragraph 88.

  44. 44.

    Foy v An T-Ard/Chlaraitheoir, supra n. 20, paragraph 91 (per McKechnie J.).

  45. 45.

    Foy v An T-Ard/Chlaraitheoir, supra n. 20, paragraph 140 (per McKechnie J.).

  46. 46.

    MX v Health Service Executive, supra n. 15, paragraphs 49 and 52 (per McMenamin J.).

  47. 47.

    See Fleming v Ireland and Others, supra n. 22, paragraph 110 (per Denham J.); Schrems v Data Protection Commissioner [2014] IEHC 310, paragraph 53 (per Hogan J.); X Y v Clinical Director of St. Patricks Hospital and Doctor AB [2012] IEHC 224, paragraph 17 (per Hogan J.).

  48. 48.

    In Re a Ward of Court, supra n. 18, 163 (per Denham J.) See also the interesting discussion of this in Clissmann and Barrett (2012). See also Binchy (2008), 313–314, and O’Dowd (1995) in Quinn et al (1995)

  49. 49.

    In Re a Ward of Court, supra n. 18, 163 (per Denham J.).

  50. 50.

    MX v Health Service Executive, supra n. 15, paragraph 49 (per McMenamin J.). See also P.P. v Health Service Executive, infra n. 67, 29 (per Kearns P.).

  51. 51.

    In the Matter of Philip Clarke and In the Matter of the Courts of Justice Act, 1924 and in the Matter of the Constitution, supra n. 8 (per Gavan Duffy P.).

  52. 52.

    See for example the cases of: In Re Article 26 and the Offences Against the State (Amendment) Bill, supra n. 3 (per O’Sullivan J.); In the Matter of Philip Clarke and In the Matter of the Courts of Justice Act, 1924 and in the Matter of the Constitution, supra n. 8 (per Gavan Duffy P.).

  53. 53.

    The State (Healy) v Donoghue, supra n. 16.

  54. 54.

    Kennedy v Ireland, supra n. 37, 593 (per Hamilton P.).

  55. 55.

    MEO v Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, supra n. 21, paragraph 31 (per Hogan J.).

  56. 56.

    IOT v B [1998] 2 IR 321, 361 (per Keane J.).

  57. 57.

    See for example the case of Foy v An T-Ard/Chlaraitheoir, supra n. 20 (per McKechnie J.).

  58. 58.

    The State (Healy) v Donoghue, supra n. 16.

  59. 59.

    Foy v An T-Ard/Chlaraitheoir, supra n. 20, paragraph 171 (per McKechnie J.).

  60. 60.

    See also Hogan and Whyte (2003), 1260–1265; Casey (2000), 444–449.

  61. 61.

    In Re a Ward of Court, supra n. 18, 163 (per Denham J.).

  62. 62.

    MX v Health Service Executive, supra n. 15, paragraph 2 (per McMenamin J.).

  63. 63.

    BF v Clinical Director of Our Lady’s Hospital, Navan and Others [2010] IEHC 243 (per Peart J.).

  64. 64.

    Connolly v Governor of Wheatfield Prison [2013] IEHC 334, paragraph 14 (per Hogan J.).

  65. 65.

    Connolly v Governor of Wheatfield Prison [2013] IEHC 334, paragraph 14 (per Hogan J.).

  66. 66.

    Connolly v Governor of Wheatfield Prison [2013] IEHC 334, paragraph 17 (per Hogan J.).

  67. 67.

    P.P. v Health Service Executive [2014] Unreported Irish High Court No. 10792P, 23 (per Kearns P.).

  68. 68.

    Foy v An T-Ard/Chlaraitheoir, supra n. 20, paragraph 170 (per McKechnie J.).

  69. 69.

    Foy v An T-Ard/Chlaraitheoir, supra n. 20, paragraph 170 (per McKechnie J.).

  70. 70.

    Kennedy v Ireland, supra n. 37, 593 (per Hamilton P.).

  71. 71.

    Kennedy v Ireland, supra n. 37, 594 (per Hamilton P.).

  72. 72.

    Kennedy v Ireland, supra n. 37 (per Hamilton P.).

  73. 73.

    In Re Article 26 and the Offences Against the State (Amendment) Bill, supra n. 3 (per O’Sullivan J.).

  74. 74.

    In Re Article 26 and the Offences Against the State (Amendment) Bill, supra n. 3, 479 (per O’Sullivan J.).

  75. 75.

    In the Matter of Philip Clarke and In the Matter of the Courts of Justice Act, 1924 and in the Matter of the Constitution, supra n. 8 (per Gavan Duffy P.).

  76. 76.

    Foy v An T-Ard/Chlaraitheoir, supra n. 20, paragraph 170 (per McKechnie J.).

  77. 77.

    Foy v An T-Ard/Chlaraitheoir, supra n. 20, paragraphs 170–171 (per McKechnie J.).

  78. 78.

    Foy v An T-Ard/Chlaraitheoir, supra n. 20, paragraphs 170–171 (per McKechnie J.).

  79. 79.

    Foy v An T-Ard/Chlaraitheoir, supra n. 20, paragraph 172 (per McKechnie J.).

  80. 80.

    Foy v An T-Ard/Chlaraitheoir, supra n. 20, paragraph 172 (per McKechnie J.).

  81. 81.

    P.P. v Health Service Executive, supra n. 67, 23 (per Kearns P.).

  82. 82.

    BF v Clinical Director of Our Lady’s Hospital, Navan and Others, supra n.63 (per Peart J.).

  83. 83.

    BF v Clinical Director of Our Lady’s Hospital, Navan and Others, supra n. 63 (per Peart J.).

  84. 84.

    See, for example, the implementation legislation for the Geneva Conventions, the European Convention on Extradition, the European Convention on the Suppression of Terrorism, the International War Crimes Tribunal, the United Nations Convention Against Torture and the Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts Against the Safety of Maritime Navigation: Maritime Security Act 2004, Schedule 1.

  85. 85.

    International Criminal Court Act 2006, Schedule 1.

  86. 86.

    See S.I. No. 119/1987, Criminal Justice Act 1984 (Treatment of Persons in Custody in Garda Síochána Stations) Regulations 1987, section 3(1). See S.I. No. 130/1992, Criminal Justice (Forensic Evidence) Act 1990 Regulations, Regulation 3. See also in relation to the detention of children: Children Act 2001, section 55. See also S.I. No. 252/2007, Prison Rules 2007 and, in particular, Regulations 6(4) and 6(13) in relation to searching a person in custody, Regulation 49(2) in relation to safeguarding persons in custody from third parties and Regulation 50(2) in relation to the protection of persons during transport to and from prison. Similar provisions are to be found in relation to the use of special observation cells (Regulation 64(8)) and in respect of the duties of the Governor (Regulation 79) and Prison Officers (Regulation 85).

  87. 87.

    S.I. No. 344/2000, Refugee Act 1996 (Places and Conditions of Detention) Regulations 2000, Regulation 4. See also S.I. No. 236/2009 Health Act 2007 (Care and Welfare of Residents in Designated Centres for Older People) Regulations 2009.

  88. 88.

    Mental Health Act 2001, section 4(3).

  89. 89.

    S.I. No. 551/2006 Mental Health Act 2001 (Approved Centres) Regulations 2006, Regulation 7.

  90. 90.

    With “due regard to the resident’s dignity, privacy and gender”: See S.I. No. 551/2006 Mental Health Act 2001 (Approved Centres) Regulations 2006, Regulation 13(7).

  91. 91.

    Regulation 25(1)(e).

  92. 92.

    See also IHRC Submission to the European Convention on Human Rights Bill to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Equality, Defence and Women’s Rights 2002, 7. For further discussion on this point see, Dewhurst et al. (2012), 10.

  93. 93.

    The exceptions include the President, Oireachtas, either House of the Oireachtas, a Committee of either House or a Joint Committee of both Houses or a court.

  94. 94.

    Section 4, European Convention on Human Rights Act 2003.

  95. 95.

    Section 5, European Convention on Human Rights Act 2003.

  96. 96.

    Section 5(2), European Convention on Human Rights Act 2003.

  97. 97.

    Section 5(3), European Convention on Human Rights Act 2003.

  98. 98.

    Section 5(4), European Convention on Human Rights Act 2003.

  99. 99.

    Clissmann and Barrett (2012), 17–18. See also Binchy (2008), 313–314.

  100. 100.

    A good example of this is the case of O’Reilly v Limerick Corporation [1989] ILRM 181.

  101. 101.

    IOT v B [1998] 2 IR 321, 367 (per Keane J.). See further the case of TD v Minister for Education [2001] 4 IR 259, 295 (per Denham J.) and FN v Minister for Education [1995] 1 IR 409.

  102. 102.

    See McGee, supra n. 29 and Norris, supra n. 9.

References

Articles

  • Binchy W (2008) Dignity as a constitutional concept. In: Carolan E, Doyle O (eds) The Irish constitution: governance and values. Thomson Round Hall, Dublin, pp 307–327

    Google Scholar 

  • Binchy W (2011) The Irish legal system: an introduction. Leg Inf Manag 11:151–155

    Google Scholar 

  • Boyle D (2014) Administration of treatment and right of access to the court considered. Irish Law Times 32(7):244

    Google Scholar 

  • Clissmann I, Barrett J (2012) The embryo in vitro after Roche v Roche: what protection is now offered? Med Leg J Ireland 18(1):13–20

    Google Scholar 

  • Cotter J (2013) The German Federal Constitutional Court and welfare benefits for asylum seekers: consequences for the direct provision and dispersal scheme in Ireland? Part II. Irish Law Times 31:23–26

    Google Scholar 

  • Dewhurst E (2013) Exclusionary or inclusionary constitutional protection: protecting the rights of citizens, non-citizens and irregular immigrants under articles 40–44 of the Irish constitution. Irish Jurist 48(1):98–136

    Google Scholar 

  • Gallagher P (2010) The Irish constitution – its unique nature and the relevance of international jurisprudence. Irish Jurist 45(1): 22–50

    Google Scholar 

  • Hogan G (1990) Unenumerated personal eights: Ryans’ case re-evaluated. Irish Jurist 25–27:95–116

    Google Scholar 

  • Keane E (2010) Judicial ‘discovery’ of unenumerated rights. Irish Law Times 28:177–186

    Google Scholar 

  • Mullally S (1998) Searching for foundations in Irish constitutional law. Irish Jurist 33:333–350

    Google Scholar 

  • O’Dowd J (1995) Dignity and personhood in Irish constitutional law. In: Quinn G, Ingram A, Livingstone S (eds) Justice and legal theory in Ireland. Oak Tree Press, Dublin, pp 163–181

    Google Scholar 

  • O’Hanlon S, Jennifer S (2010) Health, dignity and human rights. Med Leg J Ireland 2:97–98

    Google Scholar 

  • O’Mahony C (2008) Constitutionalism and legislation in special educational needs law: an Anglo-Irish perspective. Public Law 1:125–151

    Google Scholar 

  • Smith C-M (2012) The constitution at 75 – time for a new interpretation? Irish Law Times 30:130–137

    Google Scholar 

  • Whelan S (2011) ‘At risk’ of a legal aid injustice. Bar Rev 16(5):97–100

    Google Scholar 

  • Woogara J (2005) Patients’ rights to privacy and dignity in the NHS. Nurs Stand 19(18):33–37

    Article  Google Scholar 

Books

  • Carolan E, Doyle O (2008) The Irish constitution: governance and values. Thomson Round Hall, Dublin

    Google Scholar 

  • Casey J (2000) Constitutional law in Ireland, 3rd edn. Round Hall, Sweet & Maxwell, Dublin

    Google Scholar 

  • Constitutional Review Group (1996) Report of the constitutional review group. Stationary Office, Dublin

    Google Scholar 

  • de Londras F, Kelly C (2010) European convention on human rights act: operation, impact and analysis. Thomson Reuters, Dublin

    Google Scholar 

  • Dewhurst E, Higgins N, Watkins L (2012) Principles of Irish human rights law. Clarus Press, Dublin

    Google Scholar 

  • Hogan G, Whyte G (2003) J.M. Kelly: the Irish constitution, 4th edn. Bloomsbury Professional, Dublin

    Google Scholar 

  • Irish Human Rights Commission (2002) Submission to the European convention on human rights vill to the joint Oireachtas Committee on justice, equality, defence and women’s rights. Government Publications, Dublin

    Google Scholar 

  • Quinn G, Ingram A, Livingstone S (1995) Justice and legal theory in Ireland. Oak Tree Press, Dublin

    Google Scholar 

Irish Legislation

Irish Statutory Instruments

  • S.I. No. 151/1969 Extradition Act 1965 (Part II) (No. 5) Order 1969

    Google Scholar 

  • S.I. No. 119/1987, Criminal Justice Act 1984 (Treatment of Persons in Custody in Garda Síochána Stations) Regulations 1987

    Google Scholar 

  • S.I. No. 9/1989 Extradition Act 1965 (Part II) (No. 23) Order 1989

    Google Scholar 

  • S. I. No. 130/1992, Criminal Justice (Forensic Evidence) Act 1990 Regulations

    Google Scholar 

  • S.I. No. 474/2000 Extradition Act 1965 (Part II) Order 2000

    Google Scholar 

  • S.I. No. 344/2000, Refugee Act 1996 (Places and Conditions of Detention) Regulations 2000

    Google Scholar 

  • S.I. No. 173/2002 Extradition Act 1965 (Part II) (Amendment) Order 2002

    Google Scholar 

  • S.I. No. 479/2003 Extradition Act 1965 (Part II) (Amendment) Order 2003

    Google Scholar 

  • S.I. No. 551/2006 Mental Health Act 2001 (Approved Centres) Regulations 2006

    Google Scholar 

  • S.I. No. 252/2007, Prison Rules 2007

    Google Scholar 

  • S.I. No. 236/2009 Health Act 2007 (Care and Welfare of Residents in Designated Centres for Older People) Regulations 2009

    Google Scholar 

Irish Case Law

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Law, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK

    Elaine Dewhurst

Authors
  1. Elaine Dewhurst
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Elaine Dewhurst .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Law, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy

    Paolo Becchi

  2. Faculty of Law, University of Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland

    Klaus Mathis

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2019 Springer Nature Switzerland AG

About this entry

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this entry

Dewhurst, E. (2019). Human Dignity in Ireland. In: Becchi, P., Mathis, K. (eds) Handbook of Human Dignity in Europe. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-28082-0_19

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation