Brian O'Shea
Question:51 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when he will ratify the Convention for the Safety of United Nations troops and associated personnel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15140/97]
Written Answers. - Safety of UN Troops.
Frances Fitzgerald
Question:59 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will ensure that Ireland ratifies the Convention on the Safety of the United Nations Troops and Associated Personnel. [15178/97]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 51 and 59 together.
The adoption by the United Nations General Assembly of the Convention on the Safety of United Nations and Associated Personnel reflects the widespread concern felt at the growing number of deaths and injuries resulting from deliberate attacks against United Nations and associated personnel. Attacks against, or other mistreatment of, personnel who act on behalf of the United Nations are unjustifiable and unacceptable.
The current international position is that the convention is not yet in force and will not enter into force until 30 days after the deposit with the Secretary-General of the instruments of ratification, acceptance or accession in respect of 22 countries. As of 31 October 1997, 43 states had signed the convention and 14 states were parties to the convention.
From an examination of the convention, it will be necessary to enact appropriate domestic legislative measures to give effect to the provisions of the convention. While the enactment of the required legislation is not the responsibility of the Department of Foreign Affairs, I assure the House that there will be no delay on the Department's part in taking the appropriate steps to lodge Ireland's instrument of accession when the legislation is in place.