Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 3 Oct 2001

Vol. 541 No. 2

Written Answers. - Bacteriological and Toxin Weapon Convention.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

224 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on whether there is an urgent need to provide a verification process to the Bacteriological and Toxin Weapon Convention; and if he will ensure that the issue is placed on the agenda of the UN Security Council during the Government's presidency in October 2001. [21694/01]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Cowen):

The Bacteriological (Biological) and Toxin Weapons Convention, BTWC, which prohibits the development, production and stockpiling of biological and toxin weapons and provides for their destruction came into force in 1975. Ireland firmly supports the need for an effective compliance and verification instrument in the convention and considers that the absence of specified verification measures in the convention text are an impediment to its successful operation. A special conference of BTWC states parties in September 1994 established an ad hoc group to address the matter of devising a verification instrument in the form of a protocol to the convention. Ireland has been extensively engaged in the work of this group. In particular, Ireland has supported efforts to devise an effective verification mechanism, including random visits to possible sites of manufacture of biological weapons.

Unfortunately, it has not been possible as yet to achieve agreement on a protocol between BTWC state parties. In July this year, the USA withdrew from protocol negotiations and indicated that it will pursue other ideas and alternative approaches which it said would have the intention and practical effect of strengthening the BTWC. The Fifth BTWC Review Conference meets in mid November and will consider the current position. For its part, Ireland will continue to advocate the necessity for devising and implementing an effective means of verification with the objective of ensuring compliance with and strengthening of the convention. Within the United Nations system the Security Council does not have primary responsibility for these and other disarmament issues. Ireland considers the forthcoming Review Conference to be an appropriate forum to pursue this objective.