Vol. 443 No. 1
42 Mr. Sargent asked the asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, in view of recent reports from the 47th World Health Assembly in Geneva that more than 15 Governments after considering making a submission to the International Court of Justice arguing that the use of nuclear weapons is illegal, if the Irish Government will be making a similar submission before the deadline of 10 June 1994.
43 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps, if any, he has taken to make a submission to the International Court of Justice which is to give an advisory opinion on the legality of the use of nuclear weapons which the World Health Organisation States have been requested to make by June 1994.
At the World Health Assembly on 12 May 1993, a resolution was adopted by 73 votes in favour, with 31 against and six abstentions, requesting the International Court of Justice to give an advisory opinion on whether or not, in view of the health and environmental effects, the use of nuclear weapons by a state in war or other armed conflict would be a breach of its obligations under international law, including the WHO Constitution. The International Court of Justice has invited statements on this issue by 10 June 1994 from interested States.
Ireland's opposition to nuclear weapons is of long standing and well known. Successive Governments have made clear our policy of seeking the complete elimination of all nuclear weapons and the conclusion of a comprehensive test ban treaty. We have consistently and actively supported the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, and we are currently working to achieve an indefinite extension of the Treaty at the Review Conference which will take place next year.
