Social and Economic Rights in Ireland

Social and economic rights encompass the essential elements required for a human being to exist. They include the right to food, inter alia, water, shelter, emergency medical care, housing and social assistance. However, these rights are primarily seen as being subordinate to civil and political rights.

Social and Economic Rights in Ireland focuses on Ireland’s protection and vindication of these rights providing a detailed examination of the law in this area, both domestically and under the State’s international obligations. With this focus in mind, the following international treaties are analysed: The European Social Charter; The Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union; The International Covenant on Economic Social and Cultural Rights and the European Convention on Human Rights. Their impact is critically examined in order to assess whether Ireland is in compliance with its international obligations.

Social and Economic Rights in Ireland provides a detailed and critical analysis of the law and policy in relation to social and economic rights.