Vol. 513 No. 1
651 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the plans, if any, he has to enact legislation concerning the recognition of foreign divorces in accordance with the Brussels II Convention; and the timescale for the enactment of this legislation. [1290/00]
I refer the Deputy to previous debate in the House on 24 June 1999 (Dail Debates, Cols. 40 to 51) when the House approved the exercise by the State of the option to take part in the adoption and application of a proposal for a Council Regulation (EC) on jurisdiction and the recognition and enforcement of judgments in matrimonial matters and in matters of parental responsibility. That proposal was presented by the European Commission under the EC Treaty as amended by the provisions of the Treaty of Amsterdam dealing with judicial co- operation in civil matters, in particular, which came into operation on 1 May 1999. It mirrors the essential provisions of the convention, generally referred to as the "Brussels 11 Convention" and, for those member states which will be a party to it, in effect, supersedes that convention. The regulation is expected to be adopted by the EU Council this year and, as the Deputy will appreciate, it will, unlike the convention, have direct effect in national law.
