36 Kathleen Lynch asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the current position among signatories to the UN Inhumane Weapons Convention regarding a world-wide ban on landmines; if he intends following the lead set by Belgium by introducing legislation banning landmines; if he would agree that such legislation would strengthen Ireland's position in calling for an international ban; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18294/95]

37 Mr. Morley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will take a lead role by introducing legislation to ban the manufacture, sale, export and stockpiling of all types of landmines; and if he will work towards encouraging a similar outright world-wide ban. [18305/95]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 36 and 37 together.

Ireland was an original signatory and is one of the 49 states which have ratified the Inhumane Weapons Convention. In this context, Ireland has taken a leading role in efforts to strengthen international restrictions on landmines and in particular to move towards the elimination of anti-personnel landmines which have caused civilian suffering on a huge scale. I drew particular attention to this objective in my statement on 27 September in the General Debate at the UN General Assembly.

Ireland's role in contributing to international action against the scourge of landmines, particularly anti-personnel landmines, was exemplified further in our participation in the Vienna Review Conference of the States Parties to the Convention, which met from 25 September to 13 October. The conference engaged in detailed discussions with the aim of elaborating a strengthened Protocol to the Convention, which would enshrine further restrictions on landmines.