asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he is aware that the British Army are now supplied with the "sound" weapon; and if he will make representations to the British Government against its inhuman use in Ireland.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - British Army Weapons.
3.
It is presumed that the Deputy is referring to earlier reports of the existence of a machine said to produce both very high frequency, and very low frequency sound in the ears of those within its range. The British authorities have again been asked whether there is any intention on their part to use such a device. They have reaffirmed that they do not possess a device such as described in those reports and, moreover, are not aware of the existence of any such device.
The reply given by the Minister today is exactly the same as the reply he gave to a similar question on 23rd October, 1973. At that time I believed the Minister but since then—six weeks ago in fact—I read in some British newspapers that the British Army have this weapon which is completely inhuman.
The Deputy should not make a statement.
Did the Minister make any request to the British Government on this matter because his reply is the same as that given in October? I am in possession of knowledge, gained from the British Press, that the British Army is in possession of this inhuman weapon. Is the Minister aware of the inhuman nature of the sound weapon, of the fact that it is not selective in its recipients and that it can harm people within ten miles? It can deafen them and the British Army have that weapon in Northern Ireland.
I am afraid the Deputy was misinformed on this point. Not only have they not got it but they are not aware of the existence of such a device. It is possible that the Deputy is confusing it with something else but the Deputy is incorrect in his point.
I am not confusing it at all. I am aware that the British Army have this weapon, having read British Press reports.
The Deputy will have to find another opportunity of debating this matter. It cannot be debated at Question Time.
This is a very serious matter.
The Deputy's confidence in the British Press is impressive but I do not believe everything I read in it.
4.
asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he is aware that the British Army have now been supplied with CR gas; and if he will make representations to the British Government against its inhuman use in Ireland.
Concern has again been expressed to the British authorities regarding the decision to authorise the use of CR gas in Northern Ireland, particularly in view of the reported continuing doubts of scientific and medical experts as to the adequacy of the tests of its possible toxic and long-term effects.