Dan Boyle (Green Party)

I am grateful for that approach from Senator Hannigan. As I said in my earlier contribution I am quite happy to have the definition of penalties such as fines and imprisonment included in an eventual piece of legislation. We are trying to get the principle through. While recognising the positive contribution the Minister of State has made to this legislation, particularly on Second Stage, the House should know that if it decides tonight, Ireland would be only the second or third country in the world to pass legislation of this type. Ireland has pioneered successful legislation on cluster bombs. This Bill adopts the same principles by providing for a general prohibition on a class of weapons. I would be glad to assist the process of trying to encourage other countries to support an international ban. I hope this legislation will be dealt with in both Houses.