asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement regarding the reports of the use of chemicals and chemical warfare by Iraq against Iran and the steps that are being taken by the international agencies in the matter.

I am extremely concerned by the numerous reports that Iraq has used chemical weapons in its war with Iran. The International Committee of the Red Cross has stated on the basis of investigations by one of its medical teams in Tehran, that the injuries they have seen lead to the presumption of the recent use of such weapons. An investigation of the allegations has been carried out by a group of specialists sent to Iran by the UN Secretary-General. These specialists have concluded that chemical weapons have been used in Iran in the areas inspected by the team. These were of the mustard gas and nerve agent types.

A statement issued on 30 March by the President of the UN Security Council on behalf of its members strongly condemned the use of chemical weapons reported by the specialists.

The Ten have, in a public statement, recorded their distress at the allegations of the use of chemical weapons and have recalled their unreserved condemnation of any such use. Foreign Ministers of the Ten meeting in Political Co-operation in Luxembourg on 9 April decided to introduce controls on the export of certain chemicals which can be used to manufacture chemical weapons. Following consultations among experts, member states of the Ten have introduced, or are in the process of introducing, controls on chemical substances which might be used for the production of chemical warfare agents. In the case of Ireland export restrictions are being introduced by the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism on key precursors for super toxic lethal chemicals and other harmful chemicals.

Ireland deplores any use of chemical or biological weapons. The use of such weapons is clearly prohibited under the Geneva Protocol of 1925 of which Iraq is a signatory.

Could the Minister say what the current position is with regard to international agreements on the development of chemical and biological weaponry and if the super powers, including the Soviet Union, are signatures to such an agreement?

That is another question.

The question on the Order Paper relates to the use of chemicals and I am trying to find——

This question relates to Iraq so you will have to put down another question.

It is a very important question.

They are all important questions but they must be relevant.

The question refers to the use of chemicals and chemical warfare by Iraq and Iran. There is an international agreement and I am trying to find out who the parties are to that agreement so that we can find out who is supplying the chemicals.

Iraq is a signatory to the Geneva Protocol of 1925 which controls the use of chemical and biological weapons. I do not know who else is involved but I can get that information for the Deputy.