Written answers

Tuesday, 5 February 2008

Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment

Arms Trade

9:00 pm

Photo of Billy TimminsBilly Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 421: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if an Irish based, or Irish supported company manufactures cluster munitions or components for cluster munitions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3819/08]

Photo of Micheál MartinMicheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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My Department is not aware of any Irish company engaged in the manufacture of cluster munitions or their components. I can also confirm that no such companies are supported by the Agencies under the aegis of my Department.

As the Deputy will be aware, the Programme for Government contains a commitment to campaign for a complete ban on the use of cluster munitions. Pending the establishment of effective international instruments to address humanitarian concerns regarding their use, the Government is actively seeking agreement on an immediate freeze on the use of cluster munitions. In this regard, I welcome and fully support the initiative of my colleague the Minister for Foreign Affairs to host a Diplomatic Conference at Croke Park from 19-30 May 2008 at which it is hoped to finalise the first-ever international agreement on cluster munitions.

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