Vol. 432 No. 2
18 Miss Harney asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps, if any, that are being taken by Ireland under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty to prevent the spread and availability of red mercury; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The existence of red mercury, as well as its alleged properties and potential uses in nuclear weapons development, have been a matter of some controversy for many years. While recent media reports have suggested that international trade in such a substance is taking place, there is no conclusive evidence of the existence of red mercury as a unique substance with applications in nuclear weapons. In many cases, it appears that known compounds of mercury have been offered for sale for fraudulent purposes or as part of a hoax.
The International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna takes the view that, even if the substance does exist, it would not fall within the competence of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
I would be very concerned at any trade in dangerous substances which could have nuclear proliferation implications.
