As there are no amendments on Report Stage, we proceed to Fifth Stage.
Choice of Court (Hague Convention) [Seanad] Bill 2015: Report and Final Stages
Bill received for final consideration.
Question proposed: “That the Bill do now pass.”
The Minister for Justice and Equality and I are appreciative of the co-operative spirit that has attended the passage of this Bill in the House. It has been noted on several occasions that this is essentially a technical Bill which will ensure we fulfil our EU obligations with the choice of court convention. It will be recalled that the convention provides a framework for upholding choice of court clauses. It is hoped that the competence which will build on such clauses will promote their wider use.
International trade needs legal certainty and predictability, if it is to flourish. In a small way, the convention has the potential to contribute towards the realisation of these important objectives. The EU has led by example in ceding to the convention in June of this year. It is hoped other countries will follow that example of the next few years. I thank Deputies for their assistance in facilitating the Bill’s passage through the house.
Question put and agreed to.
A message shall be sent to the Seanad acquainting it accordingly.