Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 18 May 1993

Vol. 430 No. 8

Written Answers. - International Convention on Biodiversity.

John Bruton

Ceist:

115 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the action he has taken to secure the ratification by Ireland of the International Convention on Biodiversity which he signed on behalf of the country in Rio de Janeiro; when he expects the convention to come into effect here in full; and whether legislation will be required for the purpose.

Minister of State at the Department of Finance (Mr. Dempsey)

I understand that it is hoped that the European Community will ratify this Convention towards the end of 1993 and I would hope that Ireland will be in a position to ratify it on or about the same time. A Memorandum for Government will be prepared shortly on the matter and circulated for comments to Government Departments.

Subject to comments received the memorandum will be presented to Government by the Minister for Foreign Affairs to move the motion for ratification in the Dáil.

While legislation will not be required to ratify the convention per se, primary or secondary legislation may be required to bring the provisions of the convention into effect. This will become apparent when the replies are received from other Departments.