Vol. 466 No. 6
6 Dr. Woods asked the Minister for Equality and Law Reform whether he supports the proposal for the establishment in Ireland of a centralised European Union Convention cause book and judgment registry data base; and if he will ensure that the establishment of this important EU facility, to be located in Ireland, will be on the agenda during Ireland's forthcoming presidency of the European Union. [11925/96]
This proposal was considered in 1992 by the European political co-operation working group on judicial co-operation in civil matters. It concluded it was not feasible to proceed with the proposal at that stage because of practical difficulties. In a reply to a question by Deputy Gay Mitchell on 16 June 1994 he indicated consideration would be given to reviving the proposal if a suitable opportunity presented itself and the proposal appeared likely to have the support of a majority of EU member states. He has now had the proposal put before the other member states with a view to determining whether at this stage there is a sufficient level of support for the proposal to justify proceeding further with it. I am waiting their reaction.
I am glad the proposal has been put to the other member states. I presume the Minister for Equality and Law Reform will support the proposal. Has he estimated the number of jobs which might be involved?
I do not have that information to hand.
It is unlike the Minister for Finance not to have volumes of information at his fingertips but it is understandable in the circumstances. I would not expect it to involve a large amount of employment. It would be a specialised agency which would be used. There has been enthusiastic support for such and agency in Ireland and the lawyers involved are keen to see it located here. I am glad the issue is being pursued.
I assure the House that, based on the replies he receives, the Minister for Equality and Law Reform will see if progress on the issue can be made during our EU presidency.
If the facility is to be located in Ireland, will the Government consider locating it outside of Dublin? All the institutions seem to locate in Dublin. I would suggest Waterford as a location.
Or Coolock, perhaps.
Much of what is based in Dublin is being decentralised to other parts of the country, including Waterford. The perception that everything comes to Dublin is not accurately informed. If the project is established and is to be located in Ireland, the choice of location would be jointly made by the Commission, the relevant European authorities and the Government. The maximisation of regional development throughout the country would be a consideration that would inform the decision.
