I have consistently used all appropriate and available opportunities both bilateral and multilateral, including meetings within the framework of the EU, to raise the issue of French nuclear testing. I should point out that our concerns on nuclear testing are not selective: we have also made clear our concerns to the Chinese Government in relation to the two Chinese tests earlier this year.
In common with a number of our EU partners, we have urged France to end without delay its testing programme in the South Pacific and to thereby set an international example in support of moratoriums on nuclear testing, with a view to early progress towards a comprehensive test ban treaty.
I have brought directly to the attention of the French Government Irish disappointment and concern that France has proceeded with this testing programme in the face of the opposition of the countries of the Pacific region and despite numerous appeals to desist, addressed to France by friendly countries, including Ireland.