Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 278: To ask the Minister for Defence if all members of the Defence Forces have been issued with the necessary breathing apparatus in the event of a gas or chemical attack; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3279/07]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 279: To ask the Minister for Defence if he has satisfied himself that the standard issue of body protection equipment is up to the best international standard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3280/07]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 278 and 279 together.

The Defence Forces have available to them equipment for monitoring and protecting their members in dealing with Nuclear, Biological or Chemical (NBC) threats should such arise. They hold an extensive range of modern NBC equipment that meets their current requirements. This range includes approximately 9,500 NBC suits. In addition, the Defence Forces has sufficient stock of Respirators for each individual soldier. They also have 98 of the most technologically up to date Chemical Agent Monitors and Defence Forces personnel have been trained on their operation. Other equipment on hands includes Biological Agent Detector and Screening Kits, Group Decontamination Equipment and Personal Decontamination Equipment.

The requirement for additional NBC equipment is kept under continuous review by the Defence Forces. A programme for the purchase of NBC equipment is ongoing and whatever equipment deemed necessary is purchased expeditiously to meet the changing requirements.

On the issue of body armour, 8000 units of body armour for the individual soldier on operational duties were delivered in 2006. The new body armour provides significantly greater protection, comfort and coverage than the old model as well as a doubling of the range of sizes available.