John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)

I thank Senators for participating in the debate. The annual report will afford us an opportunity to monitor events at home, abroad and in world markets and to respond accordingly. I will consult the parties on secondary legislation, as I did when introducing the legislation. I may also consult the Oireachtas committee and will inform the parties and committee of my intentions and listen to suggestions they may have. I hope to return to the committee to deal with secondary legislation at an appropriate time, perhaps before the end of the year. A conference on an arms trade treaty and cluster munitions will be held in 2008 and the Government will support any activity in this area which will result in clarity, transparency and so forth.

I thank all those who contributed to the debate and note the work done by my predecessor in this portfolio, the current Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Deputy Michael Ahern, who introduced the Bill in the House 12 months ago. I am pleased to have cut my ministerial teeth on this important legislation. I assure Senators I will continue to consult them in considering secondary legislation and the annual report.