Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 44: To ask the Minister for Defence the level of training given to members of the Defence Forces to equip them to deal with nuclear contamination as a result of accident or act of terrorism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12431/05]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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The military authorities advise that chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear, CBRN, training is conducted at cadet and induction level in the Defence Forces. During this training, students are trained and tested in personal nuclear decontamination techniques.

In each brigade and the Defence Forces training centre, a CBRN platoon is fully trained in all aspects of nuclear decontamination to cater for battalion operations. The Defence Forces CBRN training for 2004 culminated in a major internal exercise in November 2004.

The Defence Forces have available to them equipment for monitoring and protecting their members in dealing with nuclear, biological or chemical, NBC, threats identified from time to time. They hold an extensive range of modern NBC equipment that meets their current requirements and have been trained in their operation. Other Defence Forces equipment includes biological agent detectors and screening kits, group decontamination equipment and personal decontamination equipment.

The Garda Síochána has primary responsibility for law and order, including the protection of the internal security of the State. In co-operation with the Defence Forces, it continuously monitors the potential threats to the State arising from international terrorism.

The capacity of the Defence Forces to deal with major emergencies is kept under constant review. Plans and procedures are updated as necessary on the basis of identified priorities. Training and preparation for such events is also provided for in the Defence Forces annual training plan.