Chemical Weapons Act, 1997

PART II

Chemical Weapons and Chemicals for Permitted Purposes

Chemical weapons.

3.—(1) No person shall—

(a) produce, develop, retain, use or transfer, directly or indirectly to anyone, a chemical weapon or assist another person to produce, develop, retain, use or transfer a chemical weapon,

(b) construct, convert, maintain or use any premises or equipment for a purpose referred to in paragraph (a) or assist another person to do any of those things for such a purpose, or

(c) engage in preparations of a military nature to use a chemical weapon.

(2) In determining whether a toxic chemical or precursor is a chemical weapon, the type and quantities of chemicals or precursors shall be taken into account.

(3) Any action referred to in subsection (1) undertaken outside the State by a citizen of the State shall be deemed to have been undertaken at any place within the State.

(4) A person who contravenes subsection (1) shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable—

(a) on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding £1,500, or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months, or both, or

(b) on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for life or for a lesser term.