Paul Bradford (Fine Gael)

I move amendment No. 1:

To delete all words after the fifth paragraph and substitute the following:

–Noting that UN Resolution 1441 was unanimously adopted, demonstrating that agreement can be achieved by the UN Security Council;

–Noting that in welcoming Resolution 1441, the Minister for Foreign Affairs said on 8th November, 2002, that the Resolution provided for a clear sequential process whereby the inspectors would report back to the Security Council, which would assess compliance, make a decision on whether material breach had occurred and what ensuing action is appropriate';

–Noting the Government's stated objective of preserving the primacy and importance of the Security Council as stated in Dáil Éireann on numerous occasions;

–Noting that the Taoiseach told the Dáil on 13th November, 2002, that Resolution 1441 was 'not a mandate for military action';

–Noting that securing a second UN Resolution was described as a 'political imperative' by the Taoiseach as late as 19th February, 2003;