Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

I thank all the Senators who contributed to the debate on this legislation. The amendments proposed in the Dáil and accepted in the Seanad have improved the text of the Bill, consistent with the requirements of the protocol and our national position on nuclear non-proliferation. This is important legislation which has benefited from the consideration given to it in both Houses. The enactment of the Bill will further reinforce Ireland's stance on nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation and will ensure that Ireland and the other non-nuclear weapons states of the EU can implement the requirements of the protocol.

I hope the Bill will be enacted, the protocol will be ratified and the regulations signed by the Minister before Ireland assumes the Presidency of the EU. It is expected that Italy will ratify the protocol before the end of the year, after which the protocol will have been ratified by all 13 non-nuclear states in the EU.