Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 27 Feb 2002

Vol. 549 No. 4

Written Answers. - International Agreements.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

160 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the international multilateral agreements under the auspices of his Department which have been signed but not ratified or acceded to by the State; the date and place it was opened for signature in each case; the international organisation through whose machinery the agreement was negotiated; if it is proposed to ratify or accede to the agreement; if so, when; if legislation is required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7200/02]

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

161 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the international multilateral agreements under the auspices of his Department which have not been signed by the State; the date and place it was opened for signature in each case; the international organisation through whose machinery the agreement was negotiated; if it is proposed to sign the agreement; if so, when; if legislation is required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7215/02]

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

162 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the proposed international multilateral agreements under the auspices of his Department being negotiated or prepared; the international organisation, in each case through whose machinery the agreement is being negotiated; if it is proposed to ratify or accede to the agreement if adopted; if so, if legislation will be required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7230/02]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development (Mr. Walsh)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 160 to 162, inclusive, together.

Ireland signed the International Coffee Agreement at the UN Headquarters in New York in September 2001 and, in accordance with Article 45(2) thereof, is applying the agreement provisionally pending ratification. Ratification will be finalised before 30 June 2002. An order under section 40 of the Diplomatic Relations and Immunities Act, 1967, is required and is in course of preparation at present. The International Cocoa Agreement 2001 was opened for signature at UN Headquarters from 1 May 2001 until 31 December 2002. Agreement was negotiated through the International Cocoa Organisation under the auspices of the UN. It is proposed to sign the agreement at the same time as the other member states of the EU. This will not require new legislation. It should be noted that the International Cocoa Agreement 1993, which has been ratified by Ireland, remains in force pending entry into force of the International Cocoa Agreement 2001.

The following international multilateral agreements have not been signed by the State: The Protocol of Amendment to the European Convention for the Protection of Animals Kept for Farming Purposes. This protocol was agreed by the Council of Europe and opened for signature on 6 February 1992. Clarification has now been received from the Office of the Attorney General to the effect that additional legislation is not required. Therefore, the State may now proceed to ratify and sign the protocol. I intend to proceed with this matter at an early date. The European Convention for the Protection of Pet Animals – this convention was agreed by the Council of Europe and opened for signature on 13 November 1987. The ratification and signing of this convention is under consideration.

There are no international multilateral agreements under the auspices of my Department which have been signed but not ratified or acceded to by the State. On behalf of member states, the EU Commission is conducting negotiations in the Council of Europe to revise the European Convention for the Protection of Animals during transport. These negotiations may be completed in June 2002.