Phil Hogan
Ceist:45 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when the European Economic Area will be ratified by Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - European Economic Area.
The Agreement on the European Economic area was signed on 2 May this year by the EC and its member states and by the EFTA states. It is to enter into force on 1 January 1993 provided that all contracting parties have deposited their instruments of ratification or approval. Provision is made for the possibility of a later entry into force.
The ratification procedures are now under way in the EC and EFTA states and in the Community itself. A necessary step in Ireland's ratification process is the securing of approval of the terms of the agreement by Dáil Éireann. This way done on 30 October. The question of any necessary further measures in Ireland to enable ratification by the State of the EEA Agreement is under examination. Any such measures will be undertaken as a matter of urgency so that the timetable for ratification set out in the agreement will be adhered to in our case.