Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 27 Feb 2002

Vol. 549 No. 4

Written Answers. - International Agreements.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

134 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Defence the international multilateral agreements under the auspices of his Department which have been signed but not ratified or acceded to by the State; the date and place it was opened for signature in each case; the international organisation through whose machinery the agreement was negotiated; if it is proposed to ratify or accede to the agreement; if so, when; if legislation is required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7199/02]

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

135 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Defence the international multilateral agreements under the auspices of his Department which have not been signed by the State; the date and place it was opened for signature in each case; the international organisation through whose machinery the agreement was negotiated; if it is proposed to sign the agreement; if so, when; if legislation is required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7214/02]

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

136 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Defence the proposed international multilateral agreements under the auspices of his Department being negotiated or prepared; the international organisation, in each case through whose machinery the agreement is being negotiated; if it is proposed to ratify or accede to the agreement if adopted; if so, if legislation will be required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7229/02]

Minister for Defence (Mr. M. Smith)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 134 to 136, inclusive, together.

The first two questions do not arise in so far as my Department is concerned. In the context of the capacity of the EU to discharge Petersberg Tasks as prescribed in the Amsterdam treaty, consultations are taking place in Brussels to provide for functional immunities for civil and military staff who may be engaged in such tasks. Any agreement arising from such discussions will require ratification in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution. The question as to whether domestic legislation will be required will be decided in consultation with the Attorney General.