David Norris (Independent)

I am happy that Senators are unanimous in welcoming the cluster munitions ban treaty. We can be proud of the fact that it will forever have the name "Dublin" attached to it. We should compliment the former Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Dermot Ahern, who took a direct, active and personal interest in this matter, and Pax Christi Ireland, which briefed Senators ahead of the debate in Seanad Éireann, through which the House played its role. At the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs, Deputy Higgins and I tabled a motion that was passed unanimously.

I welcome that the United Kingdom came on board, largely through the efforts of Lord Alfred Dubs and Lord Elton of the Upper House of the British Parliament, who attended the parliamentarians' conference several days ago. I hope that the stigma that operated after the ban on landmines and that prevented even non-signatories such as the United States and others from using those weapons will act in this instance.

I am concerned about the interoperability clause introduced at the behest of France and the UK. It must be made clear that Irish troops will never engage in military action in co-operation with an army deploying such filthy weapons. Will the Leader ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs to give an undertaking along these lines? A lack of participation will force the remaining countries to stop using those weapons.

I wish to refer to a debate in the Lower House and to compliment Deputy Ulick Burke of Fine Gael who raised the matter of the promotion of so-called alcohol shot packs by an English firm. They are targeted at young people and have an 80% alcohol content. Young people are also targeted with Bullseye Baggies. Despite MEAS, a ridiculous cover group, the drinks industry is targeting young people and using sporting events. Given yesterday's debate on the Broadcasting Bill 2008, we should take our courage in our hands and ban alcohol advertising on the airwaves.