Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 42: To ask the Minister for Defence the investigation which has been held into an incident in Kilworth Camp, County Cork, at which an officer working as a safety umpire during a training exercise was seriously injured; if changes are planned to safety procedures as a result of this incident; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24685/09]

Noel O'Flynn (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 54: To ask the Minister for Defence if he will report on the recent accident at an army training exercise at Kilworth Camp, County Cork, on 3 June 2009; if he has received interim or other reports into the accident; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24664/09]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 42 and 54 together.

An incident occurred on 3rd June 2009 in Kilworth Camp involving a Short Range Anti-Armour weapon resulting in injuries to a member of the Defence Forces.

The General Officer Commanding the Southern Brigade has established a multi disciplined Formation Accident Investigation Team to establish the cause of this incident and to make any necessary recommendations.

The Defence Forces fire weapons and rehearse military skills regularly by day and night so that soldiers are proficient in all conditions, at home and overseas. Such training exercises are subject to strict supervision and safety procedures. The military investigation into this incident will examine these procedures.

The Investigation Team are still interviewing personnel and on completion of their enquiries will submit a comprehensive report to the Deputy Chief of Staff (Support) of the Defence Forces.

I personally contacted the young man's family about the matter and I wished him well in his recovery.