asked the Minister for External Affairs why Ireland has not ratified the Council of Europe Convention on (1) establishment, (2) movement of persons and (3) refugee visas.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Council of Europe Conventions.
2.
Ireland in company with several other member states of the Council of Europe has not so far signed either the European Agreement on Regulations governing the movement of persons between Member States of the Council of Europe or the European Agreement on the Abolition of Visas for Refugees.
As far as the Convention on Establishment is concerned, the question is under active consideration and it is hoped to reach a decision at an early date.
3.
asked the Minister for External Affairs whether it is proposed that Ireland will ratify the Council of Europe Conventions on (1) disabled appliances and (2) exchange of blood reagents.
Consideration of this country's signature of the Council of Europe Agreement on the issue to Military and Civilian War-Disabled of an International Book of Vouchers for the repair of Prosthetic and Orthopaedic Appliances is at an advanced stage and it is hoped that a decision will be reached at an early date.
The question of this country's ratification of the European Agreement on the exchanges of blood-grouping reagents is also under active consideration and a decision will be made as soon as possible.
4.
asked the Minister for External Affairs why Ireland has not ratified the Council of Europe Conventions on (1) extradition, (2) legal assistance and (3) commercial arbitration.
It was not possible for Ireland to ratify the Convention on Extradition until domestic legislation was brought into line with its provisions. This was done by the passing of the Extradition Act, 1965. The question of signature and ratification of the Convention has since been under consideration and a decision will not be long delayed.
The question of ratifying the Council of Europe Convention on Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters has been under consideration for some time and it seems likely that legislation will first be required to enable the Government to carry out its provisions. It is felt that, in the preparation of such legislation, account should be taken not only of the matters dealt with in the Convention but also the whole field of mutual assistance in proceedings whether criminal or civil. This will, of course, take some time and I am not in a position to say when the Government will be able to ratify the Convention.
The European Convention providing a Uniform Law on Arbitration was opened for signature at Strasbourg less than a month ago. It has been signed on behalf of one country only and has not yet been ratified by any. It is hoped that this Convention will be signed on behalf of Ireland in the near future. However, before it can be ratified it will be necessary to have legislation passed and, therefore, I am not in a position to indicate when ratification will take place.