Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy is dead right on this issue. Many Irish people have no idea of the contribution this little country has made in the UN in this area. We have real credibility in this space. I have seen that in New York when Ireland has been a country that is in many ways like a magnet for others in terms of consulting with on non-proliferation and disarmament issues. I would welcome an opportunity in this House to remind people of the role we have played since the 1960s in this space and the continuing relevance and opportunity for Ireland to give leadership in this area.

The problem is it is quite a technical area when one starts talking about the detail of non-proliferation treaties or about work, which Ireland is very much involved in now, around international law on the use of explosives in built-up areas. These are really interesting and important areas where Ireland is making a contribution and it would be good to have a fuller debate on it in this House.

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