Vol. 567 No. 7
16 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the representations his Department has made over the use of depleted uranium and cluster bombs in the recent war in Iraq; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14944/03]
The Government has not made any representations specifically on the use of cluster bombs or depleted uranium in the recent war in Iraq. However, the Government called on all combatants to respect their obligations under international humanitarian law, both in regard to the status of civilians and in regard to prisoners of war.
The use of depleted uranium in munitions has for some years given rise to speculation about possible health and environmental effects. The impact of depleted uranium munitions in the Balkans has been the focus of particular attention. The United Nations Environmental Programme, UNEP, has released results of studies in Kosovo – 2001, and in Serbia and Montenegro – 2002, and Bosnia-Herzegovina – 2003. The UNEP study in Kosovo found environmental contamination was confined to impact sites, and that collateral contamination of water and vegetation was extremely low. The UNEP report on the effects of depleted uranium effects in Bosnia-Herzegovina, released in March 2003, found that recorded contamination levels are very low and do not present any immediate radioactive or toxic risks to human health. This study did confirm that depleted uranium has contaminated local supplies of drinking water in one site, but it stressed that the low levels are no cause for alarm.
Having regard to the foregoing, it is clear the situation must continue to be monitored until sufficient information is gathered over a sufficient period of time to enable an informed judgment to be made about possible longer-term effects of the use of depleted uranium munitions. Ireland will continue to closely monitor developments in this area.
