Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for his timely question. The total number of Army bomb disposal call-outs was 141 last year, down from 250 the year before. However, that is not to suggest the problem is going away. The figures go up and down year on year, from 180 back in 2008 to 141 last year. The figure could be higher this year; we will have to wait and see.

Explosive ordnance disposal is the military term used to refer to what is commonly called bomb disposal. It is a task assigned to the Defence Forces by Government and is provided in aid to the civil power, namely, the Garda Síochána. Within the Defence Forces the explosive ordnance disposal function is assigned to the ordnance corps.

The issue of the terms and conditions for entry into the ordnance corps has been raised by the Representative Association of Commissioned Officers, RACO, at conciliation council. In accordance with normal procedures, the association's claim is being dealt with under the conciliation and arbitration scheme for members of the Permanent Defence Force. As discussions under the scheme are confidential to the parties involved, it would not be appropriate for me to comment further on the matter at this time. However, it is my intention that recruitment will commence as soon as the terms and conditions have been agreed.

RACO has expressed concern that because of the recruitment procedures, which take some time, there are not as many personnel as there should be in the ordnance division. We are taking steps to address that important issue. It is worthwhile to note that we have international credibility in this area in terms of training. Deputy Wallace may be interested to know that one of the things our troops are doing in Afghanistan is providing training in bomb disposal and explosives management. We need to maintain that particular skill set and the numbers of staff who are proficient in it. As I have outlined, there is an ongoing discussion with RACO which we hope will soon be finalised.

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