Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)

Although it is a lesser matter, I ask the Tánaiste where is the comprehensive nuclear test ban treaty in the Government's programme. Will the Tánaiste indicate, in conjunction with Department of the Taoiseach and the Chief Whip, the total number of international conventions awaiting ratification? The comprehensive nuclear test ban treaty has been waiting for quite some time.

Ratifying UN conventions requires consultation between each Department and this is slow and cumbersome. We have a raft of international conventions for which we have voted but which we have not ratified because legislation is not in place. Can the Tánaiste provide me with a list of outstanding conventions that require ratification and the state at which they are at?

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