Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 30 Oct 1991

Vol. 411 No. 7

Written Answers. - Agreements with USSR.

Peter Barry

Ceist:

106 Mr. Barry asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if any formal agreements have been signed with the USSR since diplomatic relations were established with that country; when these agreements were signed; and the subject matter involved in each case.

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Collins)

Since Ireland established diplomatic relations with the USSR in 1973, there have been a number of formal agreements signed between the two countries which cover a wide range of areas, including bilateral political, economic and cultural relations.

An agreement on the development of economic, industrial, scientific and technological co-operation entered into force on 16 December 1976. The agreement committed the parties to facilitate and encourage economic, industrial, scientific and technological co-operation between the relevant Irish and Soviet organisations, enterprises and firms. The agreement further provided for the convening of a joint commission to meet annually to consider means of advancing co-operation in various economic sectors of mutual interest.

A declaration on the development and improvement of economic, industrial and scientific co-operation, intended to facilitate the expansion and development of bilateral economic relations as broadly as possible, was signed during my visit to the Soviet Union from 20 to 23 July 1991.

An agreement relating to transit flights by Aeroflot between the USSR countries in the western hemisphere with technical landings at Shannon Airport entered into force upon signature on 23 January 1980. This agreement regulated the modalities for transit flights through Shannon Airport originating in the Soviet Union.

An agreement for the avoidance of double taxation of air transport undertakings and their employees entered into force upon signature on 17 December 1986. This agreement exampted air transport undertakings of either contracting party from all taxes chargeable by the other state on profits, income and capital gains. The agreement was given domestic effect in the Double Taxation Relief (Air Transport Undertakings and their employees (Union of Soviet Socialist Republics)) Order, 1987 (S.I. No. 349 of 1987).

An air transport agreement was signed on 29 September 1987. This agreement sets out the modalities for the operation of air services between the two countries and the rights and responsibilities of the parties in connection with such air services.

An amendment to this Air Transport Agreement of 1987 entered into force by means of diplomatic notes of 2 October 1991. A protocol supplementary to the air transport agreement as amended entered into force upon signature on 2 October 1991. This amended agreement provides for the further development of air transport relations between the two countries and for the addition of routes for air services.

A protocol on political consultations as signed on 22 July 1991 during my visit to the Soviet Union. This protocol is intended to enlarge and deepen political consultations on important international problems of mutual interest and on questions of bilateral relations. Consultations are conducted regularly and on the basis of reciprocity at all levels.

An agreement on cultural co-operation between Ireland and the Soviet Union was also signed on 22 July 1991 in Moscow. This agreement provides for academic and youth exchanges, scholarships, reciprocal visits by cultural personalities, exchanges of exhibitions and co-operation between libraries, museums and galleries. It is administered by a Joint Commission comprising representatives from both countries, which will meet biennially to draw up programmes for exchanges under the provision of the agreement.