Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Deputies for their contributions. They, on behalf of their parties, have shown a strong commitment that has endured. I appreciate their co-operation on the passage of the legislation through this House. I also pay tribute to my predecessor who was very involved at the initial stage of this with other like-minded countries. It is an achievement for Ireland that we negotiated the final stages of this convention in Croke Park, in Dublin. It is an historic convention that will impact on humankind.

I recall meeting victims of cluster munitions at the Croke Park convention. When one meets the victims, one sees at first hand the appalling impact of cluster munitions on them, their families and their lives, as well as on entire communities. This is an important Bill and while it may not receive the same profile as do other issues, it will have a decided impact on the future of humankind in future conflicts. Members should not understate what they have done in this regard.

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