Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The activity of the Army in such cases is in aid of the civilian power and to deal with explosive devices due to criminal gangs North and South, some of whom are involved in drugs. It is important the Army has the best possible training and equipment. In the procurement of any new technology, it is important we get the best possible deal. One of the main issues is to develop synergy in funding civil and military goods, developing the technology and making sure the people dealing with these devices are safe and trained in such a way that our people, such as civilians, are not injured or killed as a result of the devices going off.

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