Bertie Ahern
Question:44 Mr. B. Ahern asked the Minister for Justice if she will ban the use of plastic or rubber bullets by the security forces in view of the horrific injuries that they cause. [3179/95]
Written Answers. - Use of Plastic Bullets.
Plastic bullets are not held by the security forces in this jurisdiction and stocks of rubber bullets are limited to a small quantity held by the Defence Forces. Current instructions impose strict controls on the use of rubber bullets based on an understanding of the risks their use can entail. These controls, which are kept under review, are consistent with the principle of minimum force in any given situation and have ensured maximum restraint in recourse to them. As a result, rubber bullets have not been used in this jurisdiction since the early 1970's when usage was confined to three occasions during which a total of four rounds were discharged without causing injury.