Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)

We have just received the Fitzpatrick report, which is phase two of the process and looked at best international experience and what happens in four different countries. I intend to publish the report, but it is a logistical issue. The report recommends that we need new dedicated primary legislation on arms control if we want to come up to best practice internationally. The report suggests that we need to strengthen the legal base for establishing and enforcing the controls in Ireland. It also suggests that we must fill the gaps in the Irish system, including meeting existing EU commitments on the control of brokering activities. We are not in compliance with EU commitments in that regard. I hope to publish the report in the next few days and I will see to it that the spokespersons get a copy in the first instance.

The official involved with the legislation is very involved with World Trade Organisation talks process with the Presidency, but as soon as the Presidency is over we will begin drafting the relevant legislation.

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