Ann Ormonde (Fianna Fail)

I welcome the opportunity to contribute on this important legislation and compliment Senator Boyle on bringing it forward. As Senator Norris said, it is technical. I will concentrate on health issues. Ireland has joined international efforts to try to establish the level of risk from the use of DU. While as yet there may not be absolute scientific proof, I am assured that the Government shares the concerns raised at the United Nations about the potential danger to human health. I accept there are many peaceful uses for DU across a range of sectors, including as a radiation shield on medical equipment. However, its military use causes great concern. The break up of the uranium when weapons such as tank busting rockets and missiles hit their targets, creates DU dust. People in the immediate area can inhale this dust and I fear the health impacts. In addition many of the missiles can miss their targets and lie in the soil for long periods. Dug up later by construction workers, farmers or even children playing in derelict sites, they can be a risk years after the weapon was fired.

Ireland, through the Minister for Foreign Affairs and his Department, took a global lead in outlawing another weapon which can maim or even kill people decades later. The ban on cluster munitions was a diplomatic triumph for this country. I recall taking a keen interest in this subject when it was debated in the House and I am delighted once again to be associated with a campaign to ban weapons that could impact on our health. At all times, I make it my business to stand up to make sure such weapons are banned. I encourage the Government to examine carefully the threat posed by weapons that use DU and that can generate DU dust.

While we have never used such weapons, it is important that we should continue to play an active role in efforts to establish the level of threat. Ireland should also take the necessary steps to protect both military personnel and civilians who can be caught up or trapped in a war zone. While science may say there is no great risk currently, we must be sure of our facts. A threat can remain well into the future and affect people for decades to come.

Both the United Nations and the European Parliament have in the past year called for further studies of the threat. Following our successful brokering of the cluster bombs treaty, I hope Ireland can use the expertise it gained to play a role in analysing the research and in helping to decide the necessary response. The World Health Organization and the International Atomic Agency are also undertaking work in this area. In addition, many NGOs and civil society groups have taken a lead on this issue. I encourage the Minister to ensure we are fully informed of the outcome of any studies. We must establish the risk primarily to human health but also to the environment. If a risk is established then we must act swiftly and move towards a ban. There should be a general welcome for the legislation to address this serious issue, given the impact it could have on our health. I am delighted Senator Boyle has introduced the Bill and I wish him well. I hope it will be passed without opposition.