Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)

Earlier this year for party political, partisan reasons, the Government refused to accept a Fine Gael Private Members' Bill on cluster munitions, promising its own initiative. Having regard to the successful negotiation of the cluster munitions convention in Croke Park this week, where stands the legislation promised? Will it be published prior to the summer recess? Why was the Fine Gael Bill rejected, other than for partisan political purposes? The Government does not wish to acknowledge Opposition Members who can produce legislation.

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