Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 24 Apr 1996

Vol. 464 No. 4

Written Answers. - UN Agreements.

Eric J. Byrne

Question:

64 Mr. E. Byrne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the UN agreements which Ireland has signed and ratified; the agreements awaiting either signature or ratification; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8376/96]

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Spring)

As the Deputy may be aware, the United Nations' Publications Office produces a compendium listing all the multilateral treaties the original of which is deposited with the Secretary-General of the United Nations. This publication shows that up to 31 December 1994 some 255 treaties had been deposited with the Secretary-General.

The collection lists the status of signature, signature subject to ratification and acceptance of each member state in relation to every UN treaty. I am arranging to have the publication placed in the Oireachtas Library where it may be consulted by Deputies.

Since 31 December 1994, Ireland has ratified the following UN treaties: the Food Aid Convention — 15 March 1996 — and the Convention on Biological Diversity — 22 March 1996. Ireland has also signed the International Rubber Agreement — 22 December 1995.