John Bruton
Question:23 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the arrangements, if any, he is making to ratify the European Economic Area Agreement.
Written Answers. - European Economic Area Agreement.
The date for entry into force of the EEA agreement and adjusting Protocol is 1 July 1993, subject to the completion of ratification procedures by all the contracting parties. The adjusting protocol effects the changes necessary to the basic text after the Swiss decision not to proceed to ratification.
The agreement itself was approved by the Dáil on 30 October last. The adjusting protocol also has to be approved by the Dáil and it is my intention to make arrangements shortly for a motion to approve its terms. An amendment to the European Communities Act is also required prior to ratification and arrangements for the drafting of the necessary Bill are in hand. It will then be necessary to make a regulation or regulations under the European Communities Act, as amended, to allow implementation in Ireland of the provisions of the EEA.
Every effort is being made to meet the deadline of 1 July 1993 for entry into force of this important agreement which has so many positive implications for Ireland and the Community.