JOINT COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS debate -
Wednesday, 19 Dec 2007

Cluster Munitions: Motion.

Chairman

Deputy Michael D. Higgins and Senator Norris have jointly tabled a motion for consideration by the committee. As members are aware, we had a full discussion on this matter at our meeting last week and we agreed a statement on it. The statement is as follows:

The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs urges the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Government to bring forward at the earliest possible date, heads of a Bill which will lead to legislation prohibiting the production, stockpiling, transfer and use of cluster munitions, and providing for the destruction of existing stocks of these weapons.

In light of the appalling and indiscriminate injuries that cluster munitions inflict on men, women and children, the joint committee calls for the establishment of a framework for co-operation and assistance that ensures adequate provision of care and rehabilitation to survivors and their communities. Clearance of contaminated areas, risk education and the destruction of stockpiles of cluster munitions should also form part of this framework.

Senator David Norris

I must leave. There is a vote in the Seanad. I hope to return.

Chairman

I invite Deputy Higgins to move the motion.

Deputy Michael D. Higgins

I move:

That the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs urges the Government:

(1) to play an effective role towards securing a total prohibition on the production, stockpiling, transfer and use of cluster munitions by its active participation in international initiatives to address the issue comprehensively;

(2) to enact a national law prohibiting the production, stockpiling, transfer and use of cluster munitions as we know them;

(3) to support research, publication and awareness raising initiatives on this subject nationally and internationally;

(4) to follow the example that prevailed in June 1996 when Ireland in anticipation of the text of the mine ban convention enacted unilaterally a ban on land mines and in this regard that Ireland would now take a similar initiative in anticipation of the discussion of the text of a UN level prohibition;

(5) that such legislation on the part of Ireland be as inclusive as possible in terms of definition of cluster munitions, the addressing of existing stockpiles and all aspects of production, sale, transmission and use;

(6) to increase support for the clearance of contaminated land by land mines, cluster munitions and other unexploded ordinance;

(7) to increase support for mine-risk education;

(8) to increase support for rehabilitation of mine survivors and their socio-economic integration and pending the outlawing of land mines internationally; and

(9) to ensure that no public funds are invested in any company involved in or associated with these inhuman practices.

Question put and agreed to.

Deputy Michael D. Higgins

I am grateful to the Chairman.

Chairman

The clerk will prepare a message for the Minister for Foreign Affairs to the effect that the motion has been agreed.

The joint committee went into private session at 4.40 p.m. and adjourned at 4.45 p.m. sine die.