Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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There are existing controls in place to ensure that there can be no interference to inventoried weapons assigned to a Unit of the Defence Forces. All weapons are stored in sound and secure premises where access is restricted to designated personnel. There are frequent and detailed inspections of the serial-numbered assets and items of controlled stores.

Defence Force Regulation L2 on Weapons, Ammunition, Explosives and Other Items of Ordnance and Defence Force Regulation S2 on Financial and Accounting Instructions comprehensively outline the schedule of checking required in respect of all serial-numbered items.

A check of all items within an armoury bearing a serial number, including all weapons and calibre, is conducted at least once per week. The check of all serial numbered items is certified with a report to the Unit Commander. The discovery of any deficiencies is notified immediately to the Unit Commander. Any such instance, where theft or fraud is involved, must be notified to the Chief of Staff who is required to report the matter immediately to the Secretary General of my Department. An annual stocktaking of all Unit Ordnance Stores is carried out by a Stocktaking Board. The Board is required to complete a certificate outlining all items checked. The certification is furnished by the Officer Commanding the Unit to the General Officer Commanding the Brigade/Formation or Service concerned.

A routine inspection of all weapons and ammunition assigned to the Defence Forces is initiated by the Director of Ordnance at least every twelve months.