Vol. 483 No. 5
20 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands whether she or officials of her Department attended the meeting of the International Whaling Commission in Monaco between 20 and 24 October 1997; if so, the position adopted by the Irish Government at that meeting; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19138/97]
22 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands if she will give details of the position adopted by the Government at the recent meeting of the International Whaling Commission in Monaco, particularly regarding the world-wide moratorium on commercial whaling; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19025/97]
Tógfaidh mé Ceisteanna Uimh. 20 agus Uimh. 22 le chéile.
I refer the Deputies to my comprehensive reply to Question No. 3 of 23 October 1997 relating to this topic.
Ireland was represented at the recent meeting of the International Whaling Commission (IWC) in Monaco by two officials of my Department. The Deputies will be aware that Ireland called for moves towards the creation of a global ocean sanctuary for whales in the context of dialogue which was taking place during the run-up to that meeting. As I have already stated clearly on the record of this House, all of the proposals put forward by Ireland were intended to ensure that less whales will be killed and that any killing which may be carried out will be strictly regulated.
I understand that most countries welcomed the proposals and complimented Ireland for taking this initiative, while at the same time reserving their positions pending further consideration. The IWC decided that there should be further discussions prior to its next meeting in May 1998.
