Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)

I do not disagree with what the Deputy says. I would not like us to use white phosphorous in any shape or form. I can only speak for Ireland. I am not, in effect, defending the use of white phosphorous. Neither is the Government. Obviously we would be very concerned if it was used in any circumstances where it was in contravention of any of the conventions. However, strictly speaking, as regards the legal definition, according to the body that oversees it, white phosphorous is not regarded as a chemical weapon. Given that it is then regarded as a conventional weapon, does it comply with the CWC in that regard? Again, it is very specific. All of us would be very concerned if it was used in an indiscriminate manner, in ways in which, perhaps, civilians were being put at risk. We would condemn that. Unfortunately the reports I have, emanating from Fallujah, do not inspire confidence in that regard. It is something we must deal with carefully. The international community must exhort those in the international force in Iraq to be extremely careful in its use.

The only way in which we can raise this is through diplomatic channels with the US. We did that immediately the reports emanated as regards its use.

See this speech in context