The position in relation to my Department is as follows: The European Convention on Transfrontier Television: the body responsible for this convention is the Council of Europe and it was opened for signature in Strasbourg on 5 May 1989. It is Ireland's intention to sign and ratify this convention, but it is under amendment at present. Unidroit Convention on the International Return of Stolen or Illegally Exported Cultural Objects: this convention was adopted in Rome on 23 June 1995. It is my intention that this convention would be signed by Ireland. To this end, following the recent report of the Law Reform Commission which recommended accession to the convention, I have agreed to take the lead in discussing the initial issues arising in relation to the question of ratification and of subsequent implementation of the convention with my Cabinet colleagues, particularly the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform and the Attorney General. Ratification and implementation may require legislative action.
European Charter for Regional and Minority Languages: this Charter was opened for signature by the Council of Europe for signing on 5 November 1992. The question of this country signing is under consideration.
European Convention on Cinematographic Co-operation: this convention was opened for signature by the Council of Europe in Strasbourg on 2 October 1992 and came into force on 1 April 1994 when five member states had ratified it. My Department intends ratifying this treaty in the first half of 1998.
Ireland/Australia Film Co-Production Agreement: following the initialling ceremony in Dublin last June, the position is that the agreement must obtain Australian parliamentary approval as well as Government approval here before formal ratification. These procedures are in hand.
