Rónán Mullen (Independent)

I welcome the comments of Senators Hannigan, Ó Murchú and others on the excellent news that more than 100 countries have agreed to sign up to a ban on cluster munitions. I raised this issue a number of weeks ago. It is disquieting that two members of the UN Security Council were absent from the negotiations. However, that is balanced by the good news that the UK has come on board. This is a significant development because, as we know, the UK has some leverage with various countries, particularly the USA. It is important, however, that we not ignore our own responsibilities. We have done excellently in hosting this conference and credit is due, but it is important that we not approach our international relationships — whether with the EU, China or the USA — in terms of what other countries can do for us economically.

Ireland has done well to stress our special relationship with the USA in recent years. We need to become a pestering friend. We must make sure that in addition to seeking the best for our people in economic terms, we continue to aspire to being a moral voice also. We must do our best at diplomatic level, in view of our neutrality and our status as a small and respected state, to keep bringing this issue to the fore until those countries that really can make a difference, such as the USA and China, accept the moral lead that has been given by more than 100 countries in banning cluster munitions.

Could I also mention briefly——