The following States are parties to the Hague Convention on the Taking of Evidence Abroad in Civil and Commercial Matters, done at the Hague on 18 March, 1970: Argentina, Australia, Barbados, China, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Luxembourg, Mexico, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Spain, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States of America and Venezuela.
In 1985 the Law Reform Commission published a report on the Hague Convention on the Taking of Evidence Abroad in Civil or Commercial Matters (LRC 16-1985) which outlines the implications and benefits of Ireland becoming a party to the Convention. A copy of this report is available in the Oireachtas Library. No submissions or correspondence have been drawn to my attention requesting ratification. The Law Reform Commission's report indicates that before Ireland can become a party to the Convention, legislation must be enacted to enable the state to give effect to its obligations thereunder. My colleague, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, has responsibility for bringing forward such legislation.
