SDLP policing spokesman Mr Alex Attwood said the use of plastic bullets by the British Army should be investigated by Police Ombudsman Ms Nuala O'Loan.
He said: "The Police Ombudsman investigates the discharges of all weapons by the Police Service of Northern Ireland.
"Given that the British Army act in support of the PSNI, their conduct in respect of the discharge of weapons should be subject to investigation and review by the police ombudsman."
The recent decision to publish the guidelines governing the British Army's use of plastic bullets was an acceptance by the British government that new standards should govern Army practice in the north.
"This should now be extended to the role of ombudsman," he added. Sinn Féin MP Ms Michelle Gildernew said: "The increasing use of plastic bullets by the British Army is directly linked to the fact that the Ombudsman has to investigate each discharge by a PSNI member, but is powerless to intervene when the British Army are involved.
"The fact is that plastic bullets kill.
"Unlike other parties, Sinn Fein will not under any circumstances accept or support the use of plastic bullets whether fired by the British Army or the PSNI," she added.
PA