Irish Government condemns nerve agent attack

By Deborah McAleese, Press Association

The Irish Government has offered full support to the UK's efforts to bring those responsible for the Salisbury chemical attack to account.

Deputy Premier and Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney said the attack, which saw a nerve agent used to poison a former double agent on UK soil, was a "disturbing violation of international law."

"Ireland condemns this cowardly attack which has taken place on our neighbour's soil, the Tanaiste said.

"The use of chemical weapons, including the use of any toxic weapons, is unacceptable and abhorrent."

He added: "The incident in Salisbury represents a disturbing violation of international law and goes against norms which have long been established."

Mr Coveney said Ireland "(joins) many states in supporting the UK's efforts to ensure a thorough investigation so that the perpetrators of this crime can be held accountable".

"We offer our full support and solidarity to the UK and to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) in their efforts to seek answers and take appropriate action for this indiscriminate and reckless act," he added.