NEW LEGISLATION concerning the banning of biological weapons should also include the prohibition of transmission of such arms through Irish airspace, Labour’s spokesman on foreign affairs Michael D Higgins has said.
The Biological Weapons Bill, the heads of which were approved by Cabinet this week, will prohibit the use, development, production, manufacture, possession, stockpiling, acquisition, and retention or transfer of biological weapons. The ban will apply to vessels and aircraft registered in Ireland, members of the Defence Forces and citizens of Ireland outside the State.
Speaking in the Dáil yesterday, Mr Higgins raised concerns the Bill, in its current form, would not extend to a ban on the transmission of biological weapons through Shannon and other Irish airports.
He also argued the Bill should be brought forward in conjunction with the new Air Navigation Bill. The latter is being discussed by the Cabinet subcommittee on extraordinary rendition.
“There is evidence of the use of biological weapons in practically every other major conflict, so this legislation is urgent,” the Labour TD said. “It is very important that we not only prohibit any work in this regard but also, as a country interested in international law, that we bring forward the legislation dealing with Shannon . . .”
In reply, Taoiseach Brian Cowen said following the approval of the heads of the Bill this week, Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin will work on bringing forward the Bill in full.
He said he would bring Mr Higgins’s concerns to the attention of the Minister.
“The issues the deputy raised are probably best left for discussion with the Minister as he prepares the scope of the Bill, or for second stage when it is published. I understand the other one [the Air Navigation Bill] will be later this year,” Mr Cowen added.