asked the Minister for Defence the titles of the reports in his Department on the effects of CS gas; by whom such reports were prepared; if he will make copies of the reports available in the Library; and if he will make a statement on the steps which will be taken by his Department to keep itself informed on all further researches here and abroad into the effects of such gas on human beings.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - CS Gas Reports.
40.
The principal reports referred to are as follows:
1. "Chemical And Bacteriological (Biological) Weapons And The Effects Of Their Possible Use". This report is a United Nations publication which was prepared with the assistance of a group of consultant experts appointed by the Secretary General pursuant to a resolution passed by the United Nations General Assembly.
2. "Report of the enquiry into the Medical and Toxicological aspects of CS". Only part 1 of this report has so far been published. It was prepared by a medical team and deals with an inquiry into the medical situation following the use of CS in Derry last August.
3. "Health Aspects of Chemical And Biological Weapons". This report is a World Health Organisation publication which was prepared by a group of consultants.
A copy of each of the reports mentioned at 1 and 2 is available in the Library. I am arranging to have a copy of the report mentioned at 3 made available.
It is the normal practice of my Department to keep itself informed, as far as possible, of developments in regard to all items purchased for military purposes.
Will the Minister state if any familiarisation course is available to medical personnel in the Army on the ill-effects of CS gas, either in its use or in its handling?
It is the policy of the Department to send officers and officials on courses abroad from time to time to keep abreast of developments generally.
Has this been done in the Irish Army?
Oh, yes.
Can the Minister say if the use of gas in Derry last year had any effect on the Department's attitude towards the future use of CS gas?
The Department is keeping abreast of modern developments all the time.
Had what happened in Derry last year any effect on the placing of orders? Has what happened to Irish people in Derry last year as a result of the use of this gas been taken into consideration by the Department?
I do not think——
The Department ignored it?
The Minister said the report was under review. Is the Minister now saying the Department ignored the report emanating from Derry on the ill-effects of this gas there last year?
The point is that devices of this sort have been in the possession of the military for upwards of 30 years, and under successive Governments, and there is nothing new in the purchase of this type of material.
Is the Minister aware that new properties were discovered in this gas last year and is he now saying that an Irish Minister for Defence ignored the effects of this gas in the riots in Derry last year while, in Britain, there was a public outcry against the use of the gas?
We cannot have a discussion on this.
Is the Minister aware that the full effects of this gas are still not well known or is he merely trying to evade commenting?