Written Answers - Northern Ireland Issues.
Ivor Callely
Question:
53
Mr. Callely
asked the
Minister for Foreign Affairs
the progress made on curtailing the use of plastic baton rounds in Northern Ireland following Parliamentary Question No. 260 of 30 January 2001; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[11650/01]
The Government has on a number of occasions expressed its concerns about the deaths and serious injuries which have resulted from the use of plastic baton rounds – PBRs – in Northern Ireland. We have consistently urged the need for stricter controls and maximum restraint to curtail the use of these bullets to the greatest possible extent.
The Patten report acknowledged the concerns about PBRs and, although it did not recommend an outright ban at that stage, the report did express a desire to ‘see the use of PBRs discontinued as soon as possible.' Patten made a number of recommendations about their deployment and use and also specifically recommended that ‘an immediate and substantial investment be made in a research programme to find an acceptable, effective and less potentially lethal alternative to the PBR.'
The British Government accepted these recommendations and initiated the research project in July 2000. The first phase of the project has been completed and the next phase, the formulation of proposals for further research, will be completed in October. The third phase will be to carry out further research, while the final phase will be to define ‘operational objectives for public order equipment.' We want to see a speedy conclusion of phase two and rapid progress in the remaining phases.
Against this background, concerns have been expressed about the proposed introduction of a new PBR from 1 June onwards. The Taoiseach has said that ‘the Government have grave reservations about the proposed introduction of a new form of plastic bullet, which can be even more lethal to certain vulnerable parts of the body like the head.' The scientific report commissioned by the British Ministry of Defence raises some very serious issues about the new PBR. In particular, the report says that the severity of injuries to vulnerable parts of the body is likely to be greater in comparison with the type currently in use.
The clear spirit of the Good Friday Agreement and the Patten report is that PBRs should be phased out, not renewed or replaced in a different format. Our serious concerns about the new PBR and its proposed introduction in June have been raised with the British authorities through the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference.
We welcome, however, the measures being implemented by the British Government to limit the use of plastic bullets, including by restricting their deployment to a reduced number of specially trained and authorised officers.
I should note that there has been a low incidence of PBR usage in Northern Ireland over the past year and a half – 26 in 2000 and three to date this year. It is vital that this trend continue and that the use of PBRs be kept to the absolute minimum in the coming months, with a view to eliminating their use entirely as quickly as possible. It is our view that public order issues can be properly resolved through effective community policing.
Michael Noonan
Question:
54
Mr. Noonan
asked the
Minister for Foreign Affairs
when he next expects to meet with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[10352/01]
Seán Ryan
Question:
84
Mr. S. Ryan
asked the
Minister for Foreign Affairs
if he will make a statement on his most recent discussions with the political parties from Northern Ireland; and if he will give his assessment of the prospects for progress in view of these meetings.
[12927/01]
I intend to take Questions Nos. 54 and 84 together.
I met the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Dr. John Reid, in London last Thursday. Our meeting allowed us to take stock of developments across a range of issues. I have also been in regular contact on these issues with the pro-Agreement political parties in Northern Ireland. The Taoiseach and I met with Mr. Trimble last Friday.
In discussions, both at ministerial and official level, useful and constructive work has been done and we have been able to make some headway. At all times we have been conscious of the need to make progress as quickly as possible including on policing, decommissioning, demilitarisation and the successful and inclusive operation of the institutions.
Inevitably, however, the parties are now very focused on the forthcoming local and Westminster elections which, following yesterday's announcement by Prime Minister Blair, will take place on 7 June. While it is most unlikely that we will be able to achieve the type of breakthrough we require until the elections are over, we will continue to work in a low-key manner so as to be in a position to make early progress immediately thereafter.
I am, of course, aware of the statement made by First Minister Trimble yesterday. In May of last year the two Governments said that it was our goal to secure the remaining steps necessary to achieve the full implementation of the Agreement by June. That remains the case. I call on all parties to do their utmost to achieve this outcome.
