Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am a little concerned by the reference to the NTMA. I hope this is not a signal that the State is moving away from seriousness in respect of its position regarding investment in cluster munitions. This would very much be a retrograde step, certainly given Ireland's leadership in this area. Our legislation is quite clear regarding this matter. It was framed initially in terms of the NTMA at the time, but the clear impetus and force of the convention, which, as I said, we negotiated in Croke Park and gave leadership on internationally, is against any investment in respect of these weapons. As I said, these are landmines dropped from the sky.

I would, therefore, like the Minister of State to clarify that it is not the case that he believes Ireland can or may invest in these weapons. I feel the second sentence from the Minister of State is more reassuring, as he expressed the view that this funding is going to be put towards the establishment of essential state services and so forth. Perhaps, though, the Minister of State might elaborate on this point in respect of the reporting to the EU. On the cluster munitions, to be very clear, this is not solely a financial or budgetary matter. It will be a matter of foreign affairs and defence policy, as well, which is, absolutely, a subsidiarity issue. It is an issue in terms of Ireland and our responsibility and not something that is decided at EU level for us. If he wishes, however, perhaps the Minister of State could assure me, first of all, regarding what mechanisms will be in play in terms of Ireland's engagement at EU Council level to ensure there will not be any straying from this area of essential services into areas that could go beyond the meaning of that rubric and into the realm of defence or military investment.