The information sought by the Deputy regarding international treaties which have been signed but not ratified is as follows: Washington Convention — Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). This convention was opened for signature in March 1973 in Washington DC and Ireland signed in 1974. It is administered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources on behalf of the United National Environment Programme.
This convention cannot be ratified until amendments to the Wildlife Act, 1976, which I propose to introduce in the next session, have been enacted. However, the provisions of the Convention have been implemented by EU Directive 3626/82, which is in the course of amendment by the EU. Convention on Biological Diversity. This convention was opened for signature on the occasion of the United Nations Conference for Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro in June 1992 and Ireland signed at that time. The Government recently approved proposals to proceed with the ratification of this convention. A motion will shortly be presented to Dáil Éireann for its approval to the terms of the convention.
Convention for the Protection of the Architectural Heritage of Europe. This convention was opened for signature by the Council of Europe at Granada, Spain, in October 1995 and Ireland signed at that time. Consideration of the measures necessary for ratification is well advanced and I am hopeful that this convention will be ratified in 1996. Convention for the Protection of the Archaeological Heritage of Europe. This convention was opened for signature by the Council of Europe at Valetta, Malta, in January 1992 and Ireland signed at that time. The measures necessary for ratification to take place are under examination and it is hoped that ratification will be possible within the next 12 months. Convention and Protocol for the Protection of Cultural Property in the event of armed conflict. This convention was adopted at the Hague in May 1954 and Ireland signed at that time. The question of ratifying the convention is under review in my Department.