155 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason the State has not ratified the 1995 European Convention on the Protection of EU Financial Interests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31240/01]

The Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Bill, 2000, which passed remaining stages in the Seanad yesterday, will allow Ireland to ratify the 1995 Convention on the Protection of the European Communities Financial Interests. It is the Government's intention that ratification will take place quickly following enactment of the Bill.