Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 2 June 2004
235 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in regard to imported bulk fertiliser; if there are plans to change the regulations in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16950/04]
View answerAmmonium nitrate and ammonium nitrate-based fertilisers have been used by terrorists to manufacture improvised explosive devices in this jurisdiction, and in Northern Ireland, for many years. For that reason, regulations were introduced in 1972 in both parts of the Island declaring ammonium nitrate and some ammonium nitrate-based fertilisers to be explosives.
In particular, Statutory Instrument No. 191 of 1972, Explosives (Ammonium Nitrate and Sodium Chlorate ) Order 1972, declares that the substances specified in the schedule to the order shall be deemed to be explosives within the meaning of the Explosives Act 1875. The schedule to the order includes, inter alia, ammonium nitrate and certain fertilisers which contain ammonium nitrate in excess of 79% by weight. Under the terms of the order, these substances are deemed to be explosives within the meaning of the Act and are, therefore, subject to the same security controls for licensing, importation and storage as conventional explosives.
However, in light of recent events and the concerns expressed in relation to certain blended fertiliser imports, officials of my Department have been consulting urgently with all relevant State agencies and the industry to examine these substances with a view to making recommendations in relation to their possible control.
