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

I thank everybody, in particular the two Deputies responsible for this debate happening, Deputies Duncan Smith and Eoghan Murphy. This has been a good opportunity for people who are genuinely interested in this topic to recognise Ireland's role in disarmament over many decades.

In recent years we have seen the unravelling of many international disarmament, non-proliferation and arms control agreements. The prospect of a new arms race is very real, with nuclear modernisation programmes absorbing vast resources and rising geopolitical tensions. In this context it is vital to preserve and strengthen the international disarmament and non-proliferation architecture. The NPT is central to this and Ireland will continue to work for its full universalisation and implementation.

I acknowledge that the current context is deeply concerning. There is ongoing uncertainty on the future of the START agreement between the US and Russia, which is due to expire on 5 February. These states have special responsibility as the largest possessors of nuclear weapons. I welcome their bilateral talks. Extending START would demonstrate new commitment to fulfilling NPT disarmament obligations. It is also the most effective way to create space for a future agreement, including possibly a more expansive one covering more states and more types of weapons of mass destruction.

Ongoing developments with the Iran nuclear deal will also be crucial in the coming months. Ireland remains committed to preserving the agreement as it offers the best mechanism for dialogue with Iran and to prevent it from developing nuclear weapons. I remain deeply concerned about Iran's continued non-compliance with the terms of the agreement. I have consistently called on Iran to return to fulfil compliance and to co-operate fully with the International Atomic Energy Agency. I regret the US withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, JCPOA, and subsequent steps taken that run contrary to the agreement. I share concerns over Iran's activities in the region, but I believe the JCPOA is the most effective way to address the concerns involved. During our membership of the UN Security Council, my Department will engage constructively on efforts to combat nuclear proliferation with a focus on situations on the Security Council's agenda, namely, Iran and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

This will be the first NPT review conference since the adoption of the TPNW. The TPNW represents an important step towards implementing the disarmament provisions of the NPT. We are fully aware of the divergent views on the TPNW, including by some EU NATO countries. However, we continue to engage constructively and inclusively with all partners to explain our position and to advocate for urgent progress on nuclear disarmament. As we reflect on Ireland's legacy on nuclear disarmament, it would be remiss not to acknowledge the strong cross-party support received during the ratification of the TPNW in both Houses. The elimination of nuclear weapons is not just a priority of this Government, but one shared by all parties and strongly supported by the Irish people.

The pandemic has shown us that risks, however unlikely, can materialise with devastating global impact. It has also put into stark light the fact that nuclear weapons afford us no security or safety.

The growing public body of scientific and medical evidence clearly shows that we will never be remotely equipped to deal with the consequences of a nuclear weapon's detonation. The only guarantee of safety is the complete elimination of nuclear weapons, as foreseen in the NPT. The TPNW represents an important step towards this and gives our work a renewed purpose as we face the challenges ahead. I thank the Deputies for their contributions.

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