The Irish Ambassador to Japan has led a group of 15 states protesting to the Japanese government over its decision to expand scientific whaling operations, the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands said yesterday.
Ms Sile de Valera last month informed the Japanese ambassador to Ireland of her disappointment with Japan's decision to increase the number of special permits for scientific whaling outside the control of the International Whaling Commission.
In a recent statement, Ireland asked Japan on behalf of the group of countries not to issue permits for scientific whaling in the Antarctic and the North Pacific.
The group also expressed concern that Japan was now extending operations to two new species, sperm whales and Bryde's whales.
The statement was issued on behalf of the US, Britain, Finland, France, Germany, Sweden, the Netherlands, Austria, Italy, Mexico, New Zealand, Switzerland, Monaco, Brazil and Ireland.
"The decision to ask Ireland to lead on this issue reflects international respect for the positions taken by Ireland on whaling issues and encourages me to continue to work for a compromise that respects the cultural needs of traditional whaling nations but ensures less whales will be killed," said Ms de Valera.
A statement issued by the Department of the Environment said the fact Ireland had been asked to lead the group reflected the broad respect of the leading role Ireland had played in the International Whaling Commission.