Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I commend the Tánaiste and his colleagues on their useful outlining of our position. I support the motion. To what extent can the individual member state signatories encourage those who might be reluctant to put the treaty into effect? What sanctions will apply where there is a reluctance to sign up and what can be done about those countries?

Does the treaty apply to components of weapons? For example, the humble ball-bearing is a component in weapons, as are lasers, homing devices and hi-tech instruments produced here. Does the treaty include such things? These components are not weapons, but without them a weapon does not function. Many hi-tech instruments are manufactured throughout Europe. To what extent are these included in the terms of the agreement?