Vol. 533 No. 2
18 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when he expects to bring forward legislation to provide for the constitutional amendment required to enable this country ratify the Statute of the International Criminal Court; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8414/01]
The Government has been advised by the Attorney General that an amendment to the Constitution is required before the State may ratify the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. At a meeting held on 22 January last, the Government agreed that preparations should be put in train in respect of the referendum to be held in relation to the International Criminal Court.
I arranged for the drafting of a Bill to amend the Constitution last year. The drafting of this Bill has recently been completed by the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel and it is intended to seek approval for the text of the Bill at the Government's meeting on 27 March. Subject to Government approval, it will be presented to the Dáil shortly thereafter.
In connection with the actual ratification process itself, apart from the need to amend the Constitution and therefore the need for a referendum approving such an amendment, implementing legislation will be required in order for Ireland to be in a position to meet its obligations under this very complex statute. This legislation falls within the area of responsibility of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform. Only when such legislative measures are in place may the State ratify the statute.
