asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make immediate representations to the British Government concerning the decision to authorise the use of CR gas in the Six Counties.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Use of CR Gas.
40.
The British authorities have been informed that their decision to authorise the use of CR gas in Northern Ireland is a matter for concern, particularly in view of the reported doubts of scientific experts as to the adequacy of the tests of its possible toxic and long-term effects.
Is the Minister in any way perturbed that this decision should be made in regard to this type of gas, and that, while it may be more effective for the purposes for which the British Government would intend to use it in the Six Counties, it is more dangerous and more damaging than anything they have used heretofore, and what does he intend to do about it?
There appears to be a doubt about its effects, and it is that doubt which caused us to express concern to the British authorities, and that concern that was expressed reflects perturbation.
I should like to know if it is correct that the Minister said before that he got an assurance on this matter, and that since he got that assurance there has been a change of policy.
I replied to a question on this matter before, on July 13th, and at that time I said that the British authorities had not taken any decision to use CR gas in Northern Ireland. Naturally we would not like to see it used and the British authorities are aware of this.
Further arising——
I have called Question No. 41.
In his previous reply to that question——
What question?
My question on CR gas. The Minister stated that he did, in fact, make representations to the British Government and that the British Government were not doing anything about it. Only last week the British Ministry responsible for the Army sanctioned the use of this CR gas.
We cannot have a statement from Deputy Loughnane.
Is the Minister aware of that? Is he also aware of the physical complications as a result of the use of that gas, of which I told him here six months ago when the question previously arose?
I have answered the question. I have said the British authorities have been informed that their decision to authorise the use of CR gas was a matter for concern, so obviously I am aware of their decision. That is why I expressed concern about it.
They must have ignored the Minister the last time.
We cannot have interjections like this. Question No. 41.
I read out the previous answer and I read this answer out twice. I think the Deputy knows our feelings in the matter.
Would the Minister consider requesting the International Red Cross to intervene?
Deputy, please.
This is not a separate question.
Question No. 41.
Would the Minister consider requesting the International Red Cross——
The Deputy is showing a flagrant disregard for the rulings of the Chair today.