Peter Power (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)

The Senator and I have different approaches. He is adopting a principled stand to the issue and, in principle, it is difficult to argue against the adoption of the highest standards in the world, but it is very difficult to argue for it when, a few short months ago at an international diplomatic conference held in this city, we agreed to adopt a consistent approach with dozens of other countries. While we would love to have all lethal weapons completely banned in principle, we are trying to implement an agreed convention.

On Senator Cummins's points, we would not be able to sign the treaty next week were the amendment accepted because the legislation would need to revert to the Dáil before returning to this Chamber.