19 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when Ireland will ratify the United Nations Convention against Corruption; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39527/06]

I refer the Deputy to previous replies to similar questions concerning the United Nations Convention against Corruption, most recently on 25 October 2006. The Convention was adopted by the UN General Assembly in October 2003 and was signed on behalf of Ireland, when it opened for signature, in December 2003. The convention entered into force on 14 December 2005. To date, eight Member States of the EU have ratified the Convention.

The Deputy will be aware that my colleague, the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform has lead responsibility in this area. His officials, in consultation with the Office of the Attorney General, are currently examining the Convention with a view to identifying the necessary legislation which will be required to enable Ireland to ratify it. The Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform has also undertaken consultations with other Departments and Agencies seeking their views on the matter.