1.— In this Act—

“act” includes omission and a reference to the doing of an act includes a reference to the making of an omission;

“hostile purpose” means a purpose other than a prophylactic, protective or other peaceful purpose;

“Minister” means the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade;

“prohibited weapon” means any weapon, equipment or means of delivery designed to use a microbial or other biological agent, or toxin (whatever its origin or method of production), for a hostile purpose or in armed conflict.