Vol. 533 No. 2
31 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if, in view of the recent revelations regarding the use of depleted uranium weapons in the 1999 Balkan War, he will give a report on information received regarding depleted uranium weapons use when he raised the issue during the Taoiseach's Kosovo trip in November 1999. [2261/01]
As the Taoiseach indicated in his reply to the Dáil on 16 November 1999, the use of depleted uranium weapons was raised during his visit to Kosovo in November 1999.
The Taoiseach was briefed on the environmental issues regarding the use of such weapons, and several aspects of the task of reconstruction, including the safety and well-being of the population and returning refugees. However, questions regarding the health of UN peacekeepers serving in the area had not at that time been identified as a major focus of international concern.
Subsequent to the Taoiseach's visit to Kosovo, international concern has focused on the health risks for international personnel serving in the region. The Government's position was set out in my reply on 30 January 2001 to Priority Questions, reference numbers, 2151/01 and 2223/01, on this matter.
