Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Minister of State for European Affairs delivered Ireland’s national address to the High-Level Segment of the annual Conference on Disarmament, chaired by Indonesia, in Geneva on 27 February.

Ireland will continue to champion progress on disarmament, including our priorities of accountability, gender and humanitarian consequences, through the Non-Proliferation Treaty’s review process concluding in 2026. In his address to the Conference, Minister Burke called on all States Parties to the Non-Proliferation Treaty to honour their obligations and commitments. Minister Burke also set out Ireland’s position that the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons is fully consistent with and complementary to the Non-Proliferation Treaty.

In Minister Burke’s address, Ireland also unequivocally condemned Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, increased reliance on nuclear threats and rhetoric, and de-ratification of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty. Ireland called on Russia to resume full implementation of New START and adhere to its international obligations. Ireland fully supports the efforts of the International Atomic Energy Agency to address nuclear safety and security risks arising from Russia’s illegal seizure and occupation of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.

Minister Burke also set out Ireland’s position on the situation in Gaza.

Ireland regrets the deepening political stalemate at the Conference that has led to its work being increasingly procedural. Ireland is committed to the mandate of the Conference as a forum to make substantive progress on our collective commitment to disarmament and achieving a safer and more secure world, including during Ireland’s Presidency in June – August 2024.