Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

All I can say is that I will try to ensure that if this question comes up again towards the end of the year, we will have a more conclusive answer. It is important to say that only half of the EU member states have ratified the agreement. The other half have not and Ireland is in that half. I want to deal with this issue as quickly as we can and I will endeavour to come back to the Deputy with a more accurate date and reasons it is taking as long as it is in terms of legal advice.

Before Question Time this morning, I asked whether I could be given more accurate dates so I could respond more accurately in the Dáil. When I get the response to that, I might send it directly to the Deputy so he can, hopefully, provide his Cuban counterparts with a bit more reassurance in terms of a date that we can finalise ratification.

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