David Norris (Independent)

I ask the Minister and our distinguished guests to take my compliments to them as read because time is very short.

I note the Minister stated economic recovery remained a top priority for the Government. It is very important, but I was glad that the Minister also referred to human rights, which I would like to see these balanced. I remind the Minister that it was Mr. Dick Spring who established the human rights section in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, something of which he can be very proud. In this light I wonder whether we have abandoned Tibet totally because of the financial power of China.

With regard to the St. Patrick's Day celebrations, I say, "Well done." I supported Fianna Fáil Ministers in travelling abroad when that party was in government because the celebrations present an enormous opportunity. I will certainly stand up and support such travel, despite the traditional media onslaught when Ministers travel abroad. It is very important that they do so.

The Minister mentioned racism and intolerance in sport. I am very proud that LGBT issues were raised by Senator Katherine Zappone because it is very important that they are raised. The Minister referred to the Africa strategy, but nowhere was sexuality mentioned. I am grateful to him for his letter dated 31 January in response to what I had raised regarding the Uganda anti-homosexuality Bill, the "kill the gays" Bill, sparked by the intervention of three American fundamentalist preachers. What is happening there is appalling. I welcome and support what the Minister said.

What is the Minister's response to the draft parliamentary resolution on nuclear weapons abolition? Ther esolution has been passed unanimously in a number of European countries. It notes Kofi Annan's urgent call made on 28 November for action to be taken on nuclear weapons non-proliferation and disarmament; calls on all states with nuclear weapons to develop concrete plans with specific timetables to implement disarmament commitments; welcomes the call for nuclear weapons abolition signed by a series of Nobel laureates; and calls for further steps to be considered to criminalise and abolish nuclear weapons. I propose to table the draft parliamentary resolution for discussion. Perhaps my request might be considered.

On a related issue, I have been contacted by Amnesty International, an organisation for which I know the Minister shares my respect, about establishing an arms trade treaty to ensure arms will not be traded in areas in which they will clearly be used in the violation of the civil and human rights of the civilian population.