asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the nuclear testing being carried out by France in the Pacific Ocean; and the serious health effects of these tests on the local Tahitians.
44.
Written Answers. - Nuclear Testing.
43.
asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if representations have been made to his Department regarding nuclear testing being carried out by France in the Pacific; the action, if any, he proposes to take in relation to this; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Question Nos. 43 and 44 together.
Officials of my Department recently met with a group of persons who were anxious to raise their concerns relating to nuclear testing in the South Pacific.
For their part the Government's views on nuclear testing, regardless of where it takes place, are well known. We have consistently called for the conclusion of a comprehensive test ban treaty which would ban all nuclear test explosions by all states in all environments for all time at the earliest possible date. Ireland will continue to use all appropriate occasions to make its views known on this matter and to press for the commencement of early negotiations to this end.