Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)

I welcome the opportunity to participate in this debate, which is set against the backdrop of an unenvisaged crisis of gargantuan proportions in the European economic and financial situation. It is appropriate that we would take time to consider the other major challenges facing the world community. I understand from the Government Whips that Deputy Eoghan Murphy has been pushing for a debate on this issue. I commend him, as this is an appropriate debate.

Ireland has a proud history of fighting to stem the prospect of nuclear proliferation across the globe. In the past 50 years, we have played a leading role in developing international agreements to reduce and eliminate the grave threat that nuclear weapons pose to the future of humanity. Under Taoiseach Éamon de Valera, Ireland developed a distinctive and positive foreign policy position that carved out a niche for us in world affairs as a strong, consistent advocate of nuclear disarmament. Looking back upon our work, we can see the role that we have played. We have the potential and moral obligation to continue to strive towards disarmament.

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