asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has complained to the British Government regarding the proposed use of CR gas in the Six Counties.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Use of CR Gas.
10.
My understanding is that the British authorities have not taken any decision to use CR gas in Northern Ireland. Naturally we would not wish to see it used and the British authorities are aware of this.
Has the Minister investigated what action this gas has on the human body? I understand that it is an extreme skin irritant and an extreme irritant of the mucous membranes and that people with chronic chest conditions or even healthy people can get congestive pneumonia from it. Its irritant qualities are so great that it can lead to blindness. I would ask the Minister to see that it is not used and not to continue with his Pontius Pilate policy on the question of brutality in the North.
Might I ask the Minister whether instead of or in addition to making representations to the British Government it would be far more effective to be making representations to the manufacturers or developers of this gas not to supply it to the British Government for this purpose?
I am not even aware of in what country the manufacturers are so I could not answer that at this stage. If the Deputy puts down a question we will look into it.