I have two issues that I wish to raise, the first of which concerns the Stormont House Agreement implementation Bill. As the Taoiseach knows, in the Stormont House Agreement the two Governments agreed to provide for truth recovery mechanisms for the families of victims of the conflict. Specifically, the Government has committed to legislating for an historical investigations unit and the creation of an independent commission for information retrieval. There has been consternation at the draft published by the British Government. Using the pretext of national security, it would give the British Secretary of State the power to block full disclosure. What are the Taoiseach's views on that issue and, more importantly, when will the Government publish a Stormont House Agreement implementation Bill? Why is there no date for implementation of the international treaty to underpin the independent commission for information retrieval?

The second issue concerns reformed and consolidated domestic violence legislation and the Istanbul Convention. The tragic events of recent days have focused our minds on this issue. Women's domestic violence groups have been raising the issue of the signing of the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence, known as the Istanbul Convention. I understand the Government took a decision on it yesterday. Will the Taoiseach confirm that the Government will sign the convention? We will then obviously meet our responsibilities in this important matter.

In respect of the Stormont House Agreement, we signed off on it before Christmas, with the intention that it would be implemented in full. As the Deputy is aware, there are some serious discussions ongoing. I think from speaking to the Minister, Deputy Charles Flanagan, that they will resume tomorrow. I do not want to say anything that would disrupt that process to any extent. Suffice it to say that, in respect of the criminal justice (Stormont House Agreement implementation) Bill, negotiations are at an advanced stage with the United Kingdom on concluding an international agreement that will set up the independent commission for information retrieval, a new body to be established in both jurisdictions. These are sensitive discussions and I do not want to say any more about them until we see what progress we can make. The Deputy is aware of other reports which are due to emerge shortly.

Regarding the Council of Europe convention-----

That is right.

We gave approval at the Cabinet meeting yesterday for progress to be made on it. I think the Minister for Justice and Equality will report on the matter shortly. The intention is to move it forward in order that these matters can be ratified. I point out that in Ireland the view is taken that if we sign a convention and then have to ratify it, it is important to put in place the necessary legislation to allow it to be ratified. Other countries have signed conventions but have not ratified them in legislation. As in the case of the disability sector, there is a range of legislation which must be put in place before we can actually ratify the convention. This applies to the issues of domestic violence and violence against women. Such legislation is so appropriate in view of current circumstances.