Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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I acknowledge the comprehensive debate we had on the Bill on Second Stage in the House some weeks ago. I note that there is one Government amendment. This is a technical amendment to correct a reference in the Bill to reflect the recent change in the title of the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs since the publication of the Bill.

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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I acknowledge the impending passing of the Bill by the House and thank Senators for their consideration of the matter. As I said on Second Stage some weeks ago, while the Bill's concern with the protection of cultural property in the event of armed conflict represents something of a narrow focus, its enactment will be a further important demonstration of Ireland's support for international humanitarian law and the vital role it plays in limiting the effects of armed conflict on civilians and civilian property.Those effects are most clearly seen at the moment and for several years now in the appalling conflict in Syria. The indiscriminate and disproportionate attacks carried out against defenceless civilians and critical civilian infrastructure such as hospitals, schools and power plants have been, above all, attacks on human life and dignity. In the circumstances, they are wholly and utterly unacceptable and I know Senators join the Government in condemning these acts. Likewise, attacks on cultural property and the destruction and theft of cultural property in war are unacceptable. Buildings, monuments, artifacts of cultural importance are essential to the history, heritage and identity of all people, and to deliberately destroy them is an attempt to diminish the people for whom they are important.

In passing this Bill and becoming a party a the Hague Convention and its protocol, we will further demonstrate the importance attached by the people of Ireland to the protection of human life and dignity in war. I thank Senators for their dignity and support.