asked the Minister for Justice when it is intended to enact the necessary legislation to bring into force the European Economic Community's Convention on jurisdiction and the enforcement of civil and commercial judgments.
62.
Written Answers. - EEC Convention Ratification.
61.
asked the Minister for Justice if Ireland has subscribed to the European Convention on Jurisdiction and Enforcement of Judgments in civil and commercial matters; and if so, when it will be implemented here.
Limerick East): I propose to take Questions Nos. 61 and 62 together.
On 9 October, 1978 all the then member States of the EEC signed the Convention of Accession of Denmark, Ireland and the United Kingdom to the 1968 EEC Judgments Convention. The legislation necessary to enable Ireland to ratify the 1978 Convention of Accession is being prepared. Unless it becomes necessary to interrupt the work to give priority to more urgent matters I would hope it will be ready for introduction in the Oireachtas in the New Year. Formal ratification by Ireland of the Convention should follow shortly after the enactment of the legislation. However, I must point out that, even when the convention has been ratified by us, it will not enter into force here unless and until it has been ratified by all of the original six member States. Up to now, so far as I am aware, only the Netherlands, Italy and Luxembourg of the original six member states have ratified the convention.
I might add that the legislation, when passed, will also enable Ireland to ratify the convention, signed in October 1982, on the accession of Greece to the 1968 Judgments Convention as adjusted by the 1978 Convention.