Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Dermot Ahern, has, to his credit, been to the fore in pursuing the issue of cluster weapons in Europe and internationally. In reply to Deputy Higgins's question, the Minister has stated clearly that the current ethical guidelines for the protocol on cluster weapons should go further. He has also stated that based on what happens at the Croke Park conference, which he has worked to organise and bring to this country, we should consider bringing in legislation similar to that introduced in Norway. However, we should allow the debate to continue and listen to the views of those at the conference. We support that position.

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