Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

On behalf of Fianna Fáil, Deputy Darragh O'Brien outlined on earlier Stages our support for this Bill. It is important legislation. Over recent years, we have witnessed so much destruction of cultural property due to conflict throughout the world. In particular, the destruction in Syria was the catalyst for ensuring that the international community acts as constructively as possible and collectively to deal with such blatant violations as have occurred over recent years and during previous years. I think the convention was set up following the destruction of the Second World War. Recent years have shown us very clearly the need for that convention to be ratified by all countries. Up until recently, something like 69 countries had ratified it. We sincerely hope it will go some small way towards protecting what is the culture and history of many countries and regions.

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