Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 86: To ask the Minister for Defence the safety improvements made to Army vehicles in view of recent road accidents involving Army lorries on the M50 and in Granard, County Longford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26020/08]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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Arising from the accident in Granard Co. Longford in June 2007, a Study Group advised on the introduction of a roll over protection system for troop carrying vehicles incorporating roll bars and safety belts. The Defence Forces have begun the process of setting up a programme for the purchase of this equipment. A sum of €400,000 has been allocated for expenditure on the systems for 2008 and suppliers of the system are currently being sought.

A company has been requested to fit a system to a troop carrying vehicle for evaluation and trial. The company advised in April 2008 that due to the manner of construction of the vehicles it might take six to eight weeks to manufacture and fit such a system. For various reasons connected with the contractor, the fitting of the evaluation has been delayed somewhat. However, I understand that the company is ready to fit a system to a DAF 4X4 in late July.

On receipt of this system and after a period of evaluation and user feedback, tenders will be sought for the provision of a suitable restraint system. In the interim, all drivers of troop carrying vehicles have been cautioned to take due care and diligence when they are transporting personnel in the rear of troop carrying vehicles.