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 the convention 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.
The Unidroit Convention on the International Return of Stolen or Illegally Exported Cultural Objects 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 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. This process is ongoing.
The European Convention on Cinematographic Co-Production was opened for signature in Strasbourg on 2 November 1992. The Council of Europe is the body responsible for this Convention which it is proposed to sign before the end of 1998.
