Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 17 Dec 1997

Vol. 485 No. 3

Written Answers. - Defence Forces Equipment.

John Gormley

Question:

77 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Defence whether stocks of rubber or plastic bullets and baton rounds are held by the Defence Forces; and, if so, whether he will dispense with these stocks in view of the Government's view on the inherent danger of the use of these weapons in Northern Ireland. [20962/97]

Minister for Defence (Mr. M. Smith)

Plastic bullets are not held by the Defence Forces. A small quantity of rubber bullets is, however, held.

The Government has decided that this existing stock of rubber bullets should be destroyed and that rubber bullets will not be acquired for use in the future.