Vol. 492 No. 5
129 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands when it is proposed to ratify the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of fauna, flora and dangerous wild animals; and when legislation will be introduced in order that ratification will take place. [14652/98]
The Deputy will be aware that the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, CITES, has been signed by Ireland but that the agreement cannot be ratified until the amendments to the Wildlife Act, 1976, have been enacted. I propose to introduce the relevant Bill in the autumn.
130 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if Ireland has ratified or will ratify the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14595/98]
Ireland has signed but has not ratified the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. The Employment Equality Bill, 1997, dealing with discrimination in the workplace, has completed all Stages in the Houses of the Oirechtas and has been sent to the President for signature. Revised equal status legislation is being prepared which will outlaw discrimination in non-employment areas. The enactment of the equality legislation is necessary for Ireland to fulfil its obligations under the Convention. Once these two measures are in place, we will take the necessary steps for ratification of the Convention.
131 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform whether Ireland will incorporate into domestic legislation the Council of Europe Convention on Human Rights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14597/98]
This matter will be addressed in the context of the Agreement reached in the multi-party negotiations which states, inter alia, that: “The Government will, taking account of the work of the All-Party Oireachtas Committee on the Constitution and the Report of the Constitution Review Group, bring forward measures to strengthen and underpin the constitutional protection of human rights. These proposals will draw on the European Convention on Human Rights and other international legal instruments in the field of human rights and the question of the incorporation of the ECHR will be further examined in this context.”
