Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

That Bill is due to be published this session. For the purposes of reply and to put it in my own words, having listened to the Deputy's point, the ratification of conventions can only occur when the necessary legislation is in place to implement the convention. Other countries ratify conventions and have no domestic framework for them. It is preferable that we bring forward the legislation which is being published this session. All the stakeholders have been involved in its preparation. The Minister of State, Deputy Moloney, who has responsibility for this area, is satisfied that it can be published this session. Once the Bill is implemented, we can consider ratifying the convention.

See this speech in context