Written answers

Tuesday, 12 October 2004

Department of Defence

Overseas Missions

9:00 pm

Photo of Kathleen LynchKathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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Question 32: To ask the Minister for Defence his views on the concerns of the Defence Forces' Chief of Staff that Ireland must take seriously the possibility of a dirty bomb being used to target Irish soldiers serving overseas; the measures being taken to protect Irish soldiers from such an attack; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24189/04]

Photo of Willie O'DeaWillie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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I am aware of the comments of the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces referred to by the Deputy. These comments were made in the context of the launch of the Defence Forces annual report for 2003, when he outlined the new type of equipment and training needed to safeguard further personnel being deployed on overseas service. In this regard, the Chief of Staff acknowledged that the possibility of a dirty bomb being used against our forces operating overseas is taken into consideration in formulating procurement and training programmes.

The safety and welfare of Irish personnel serving overseas is of paramount concern to me as Minister for Defence and to the Government. I am advised that a continual threat assessment has always and continues to be conducted to ascertain the level of threat or danger to which Irish soldiers serving overseas may be exposed. In the present climate of international terrorism and threats from dissident groups, force protection remains a high priority for our troops. While no absolute guarantees can be given with regard to the safety of troops serving on overseas missions, it is my policy to ensure that the Defence Forces personnel are adequately equipped to carry out their mission.

Troops selected for overseas service undergo a rigorous programme of training and are issued with a modern range of weapons and equipment. All Irish soldiers serving overseas are provided with personal protective equipment to protect themselves from the possibility of a nuclear-biological-chemical or NBC attack. NBC reconnaissance and survey equipment together with decontamination equipment has been acquired and is deployed in accordance with the threat level pertaining in the theatre of operations. In addition, sufficient equipment has been purchased to date by the Defence Forces to provide individual protection suits to all Irish personnel serving overseas.

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