Billy Timmins
Question:335 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will support the Amnesty International campaign to secure an arms trade treaty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25851/08]
View answerTuesday, 1 July 2008
Questions (267)
Written answers
Ireland shares Amnesty International's objective of achieving a comprehensive international Arms Trade Treaty establishing common international standards for the import, export and transfer of conventional arms. In 2006 we cosponsored the UN resolution which commenced preparatory work within the UN to this end.
The 2007 Programme for Government contains a specific commitment "to support a binding and comprehensive global treaty on the trade of arms, covering all weapons and ammunition." In implementation of this commitment, we are continuing to work actively within the UN and with our EU partners to advance the negotiating process, which it is clear will necessarily be lengthy and complex.
I am communicating the Government's position to Amnesty International, in response to a recent letter from the Director of the Irish Section.