Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)

I am pleased to contribute to the debate on the Prohibition of Depleted Uranium Weapons Bill 2009 because, as Senator Norris noted, I have a particular interest in this issue. I commend Senator Boyle for highlighting the importance of this legislation. This House will be only the second legislature in the world to take this step. I am not a Member of this House but, if I was, I would vote for this Bill.

Ireland has never possessed armaments or munitions containing depleted uranium. We share the concerns raised by the United Nations General Assembly about the potential risks associated with the use of depleted uranium. Since 2007, we have voted in favour of UN resolutions on depleted uranium munitions and remain fully committed to pursuing our concerns through all appropriate fora.

In 2008, UN Resolution A/C.1/63/L.26 called on the Secretary General "to request relevant international organizations, to update and complete, as appropriate, their studies and research on the effects of the use of armaments and ammunition containing depleted uranium on human health and the environment". The resolution also invited member states to facilitate such studies and research and "to communicate to the Secretary-General their views on the effects of the use of armaments and munitions containing depleted uranium". Ireland submitted a report to the Secretary General setting out our views and confirming our concerns about the potential harmful effects of munitions containing depleted uranium on human health and the environment. The report also noted that, while a number of studies have been conducted by international organisations, no definitive conclusion has been drawn on the potential adverse effect of use of such munitions.

I am somewhat surprised that international agencies do not share a view, which seems to stem from common sense, that putting depleted uranium in weapons and pumping it into the ground of unfortunate countries is not a good thing to do. That, however, is the way of international politics.

Ireland will continue to monitor the issue closely, particularly in respect of studies and research. We recognise the vital work being done by NGOs such as the International Coalition to Ban Uranium Weapons. Officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs keep in contact with the latter organisation.

Senator Boyle's Bill will have the effect of enshrining in statute Government policy. This Bill is welcome because it states where we stand. When this issue next arises for discussion within the European Union, we will be able to say that Ireland has taken this step. While the Government takes the view that it is probably not necessary to give legislative effect to this matter, it has decided against opposing the Bill. I welcome that decision because, as Senator Boyle will be aware, my clearly expressed view is that we should introduce legislation.

Were we to accept Senator Hannigan's proposed amendments, a regulatory impact assessment would be necessary to determine the knock-on effect of creating a criminal offence. It might, for example, have implications for the Defence Forces in UN operations.

The Government supports enshrining in legislation our decision as a nation to have no truck with this form of weaponry. We support the spirit of the Bill and commend Senator Boyle and other Senators on raising the profile of the important issue. I assure Senators that the Government will address the concerns that underlie the Bill at a policy level and we will continue to advocate for progress at international disarmament fora. Given the unanimous support the Bill has enjoyed in this House, it would be very difficult for any future Government to reverse it.