Dáil debates

Wednesday, 24 February 2010

Other Questions

Defence Forces Training.

3:00 am

Photo of Seán SherlockSeán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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Question 69: To ask the Minister for Defence if the report of the court of inquiry into the accident at Kilworth Camp, County Cork in June 2009 (details supplied) has been forwarded by the commanding officer of the Southern Brigade to the deputy chief of staff, support; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9188/10]

Photo of Ciarán LynchCiarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)
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Question 94: To ask the Minister for Defence if the report of the inquiry into the accident at Kilworth Camp, County Cork in June 2009 has been forwarded to the deputy chief of staff, support); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9177/10]

Photo of Pat CareyPat Carey (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 69 and 94 together.

A member of the Defence Forces was injured in an incident involving the use of a short range anti-armour weapon at Kilworth Camp on 3 June 2009. A formation accident investigation team was established by the general officer commanding the Southern Brigade to investigate the incident. A formation accident investigation team is normally established in situations of this nature to examine the incident from a health and safety viewpoint. The purpose of such investigations, which are primarily preventative, is to discover the cause of incidents and to collect statistical data so corrective action be taken to prevent a recurrence of them.

Following completion of the initial report prepared by the investigation team, all employment and safety instructions were reviewed and amended as necessary. In accordance with Defence Forces regulations, a court of inquiry was also established to investigate the incident. The report compiled by the court of inquiry was received by the general officer commanding the Southern Brigade in November 2009. The general officer commanding the Southern Brigade forwarded the report to the Defence Forces' director of administration at the beginning of this month. The matter was referred to the director of legal service on 5 February 2010 for his comments and recommendations. The report remains under the consideration of the director of legal service who will make recommendations to the deputy chief of staff, support.

Photo of Brian O'SheaBrian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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I take it that the report was forwarded to the deputy chief of staff, support, approximately a month ago and will be sent on to the legal services. Does that imply that legal proceedings may take place as a consequence of this event? I have no reason to believe that will be the case, but I would like the Minister to clarify why it has been referred to the legal services. When is it anticipated that this whole matter will be finalised?

Photo of Pat CareyPat Carey (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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I am concerned that there will be a full and thorough investigation of the circumstances of this incident. In this regard, I am advised that the Defence Forces have carried out a thorough investigation. Military investigations or courts of inquiry might not always be the best method of investigating accidents or incidents from a health and safety point of view. In order to address this, formation accident investigation teams are established to investigate the cause of incidents and to identify measures to prevent the recurrence of such incidents. If a military police investigation or a court of inquiry has been convened, the formation accident investigation team is available to offer technical advice. I am not able to advise the Deputy on when a decision will be made on what action, if any, is required or will follow the submission of the report. I am sure the matter can be raised again by means of parliamentary question. When we get the information, we can convey it to the Deputy.

Photo of Brian O'SheaBrian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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I thank the Minister of State for the information he has provided. It seems that at the current stage of the process, we have to await further outcomes.

Photo of Jimmy DeenihanJimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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On a related matter, I tried to table a question today about the investigation into the sinking of the Asgard II.

Photo of Brendan HowlinBrendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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That is certainly stretching the scope of the questions before the House, which relate to an incident in Cork.

Photo of Jimmy DeenihanJimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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I was told that the matter is being considered by the Marine Casualty Investigation Board. The Taoiseach is now responsible for this area. Given that the Asgard II sank in September 2008, I urge the Minister of State to ensure that a report on the sinking of the vessel is brought before the House as soon as possible.

Photo of Brendan HowlinBrendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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I will take that as a rhetorical question.

Photo of Jimmy DeenihanJimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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We have not yet received the report of the investigation. I hope the Minister of State, Deputy Pat Carey, will be here as Minister the next time this matter is considered. Can he assure us that the report will be available on that occasion?

Photo of Brendan HowlinBrendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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No doubt the Deputy will table a question on the matter on that occasion.

Photo of Jimmy DeenihanJimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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I certainly will. I hope it will be allowed.

Photo of Brendan HowlinBrendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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I am sure it will.