asked the Minister for Justice the present position in relation to the ratification by the Irish Government of the EC Convention of 9 October 1978, which extends to this country the EC Convention of 27 September 1968, on Jurisdiction in Civil and Commercial Matters, creating in effect a genuine European legal area in these fields; if he considers it desirable in view of the fact that the free movement of judgements helps to strengthen the internal market, to take steps to speed up the ratification of the convention in line with our obligations under Article 6(2) of the Act of Accession of 22 January 1972; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - EC Judgements Convention.
41.
Limerick East): The legislation necessary to enable Ireland to ratify the 1968 EC Judgements Convention as amended by the 1978 Convention of Accession of Denmark, Ireland and the UK is at an advanced stage of preparation and, while it has been necessary in the past to interrupt the work to give priority to more urgent matters, I would hope that the legislation will be ready for introduction in the Oireachtas before the end of the year. Formal ratification by Ireland of the Convention should follow shortly after the enactment of the legislation.
I must point out to the Deputy that, even when the Convention has been ratified by us, it will not enter into force here unless and until it has been ratified by all of the original six member states. Up to now only five of the original six member states have ratified the Convention.
I might add that the legislation, when passed, will also enable Ireland to ratify the Convention, signed in October 1982, on the accession of Greece to the 1968 Judgements Convention as adjusted by the 1978 Convention.