Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 September 2023
38. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the details of any engagement he has had with his US counterpart with regard to the provision by the US of cluster bombs to Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41732/23]
View answerIreland has held a strong and unwavering commitment to the Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM) since its adoption in Dublin in 2008. Along with the other over 100 States Parties to the CCM, Ireland's position remains that these weapons are, by nature, indiscriminate and imprecise.
In line with our obligations under the CCM, Ireland will not use, develop, produce, acquire, stockpile, retain or transfer (directly or indirectly), cluster munitions under any circumstances, and Ireland will continue to discourage all actors from using these weapons, even those not party to the Convention.
Senior officials in my Department acting on my behalf have raised this matter with their US counterparts at meetings on the margins of the recent UN General Assembly High Level Week in New York, where Irish policy on this issue was outlined. The Deputy has raised this important matter previously in the Dáil, prior to the above meeting, and to which I responded setting out our position. I am pleased to provide the above update.
Our position is well known and is fully understood by the United States and other international partners.
There are currently 112 States Parties to the CCM. Neither USA, Ukraine, nor Russia are party to the Treaty and so are not directly bound by its provisions.
Ireland will continue to do our part to support Ukraine and its people against the Russian Federation’s unlawful aggression. However, we maintain, in line with our CCM obligations, that these weapons should not be used in any circumstances.
