Ivor Callely
Ceist:83 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has raised the use of plastic bullets by the armed forces in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4507/99]
Written Answers. - Northern Ireland Issues.
The deaths and serious injuries arising from the use of plastic bullets in Northern Ireland has been a cause of widespread concern. The Government shares those concerns, and have made known its views to the British Government on numerous occasions within the framework of the Anglo-Irish Intergovernmental Conference. We have urged the need for stricter controls, effective guidelines and maximum restraint to curtail the use of these bullets and to minimise the risk of death and serious injury.
I wish to assure the Deputy that the Government will continue to pursue this issue in the context of their ongoing contacts with the British Government within the framework of the Anglo-Irish Intergovernmental Conference.