Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

The first issue was discussed by the Foreign Ministers in a separate session of the Council, so I was not part of those discussions. The EU 3 are competent and capable and they are answering to the General Affairs and External Affairs Council, GAERC, all of the time on these issues. The view of the European Council is this issue should be resolved by diplomatic means and that we should continue to apply pressure. Obviously, there is dissatisfaction at the insufficient progress in the talks. The first round of sanctions will be strengthened again and we will see further sanctions. That was indicated last week both in the UN when I met the Secretary General, Ban Ki-Moon, and the President. The efforts will be diplomatic. I do not foresee any other approach.

Traditionally, we have been totally committed to nuclear non-proliferation and that continues to be the case. The Deputy is correct that if there is not further progress, one runs the risk of undermining many of the successes of the traditional policy on nuclear non-proliferation. I am concerned by the new-found hope among the nuclear countries based around the view that the definition of clean energy is nuclear energy. I fundamentally oppose that view and that is the Irish position. It would be more in their line if they were to put their efforts in cleaning up some of the existing nuclear plants. Our commitment to the nuclear non-proliferation treaty remains firm. We have highlighted that at every opportunity.

What was the second issue raised by Deputy Allen?

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