Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 137: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs further to previous parliamentary questions on the topic, when Ireland proposes to ratify the UN Convention on Corruption. [18677/07]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I refer the Deputy to previous replies to similar questions concerning the United Nations Convention against Corruption, most recently on 21 March 2007. The Convention was signed on 9 December 2003 and is awaiting ratification by Ireland.

My colleague, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, has lead responsibility in this area. His officials have had extensive consultations with the Office of the Attorney General with regard to the legislative changes that may be necessary prior to ratification of the Convention by Ireland. This examination has almost been completed and it can be concluded that about 90% of the provisions in the Convention are already provided for in Irish law and practice. The outstanding provisions, which arise in the criminal law area, will be dealt with through a combination of amending legislation and new statutory provisions, which I understand will be brought forward as soon as possible.

The Second Conference of State Parties to the Convention will take place in Indonesia towards the end of 2007. While it is not envisaged that Ireland will have ratified the Convention at that stage, substantial progress should have been made in implementing the remaining provisions.