Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Question 37: To ask the Minister for Defence if the court of inquiry established to investigate the incident at Kilworth Camp, County Cork, when a young officer was seriously injured in a training incident in June 2009 has concluded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42176/09]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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A Formation Accident Investigation Team (FAIT) was established by the General Officer Commanding the Southern Brigade to investigate the incident. A FAIT is normally established in such situations like this to examine the incident from a health and safety viewpoint. The purpose of the investigation is primarily preventative, to discover causation and collect statistical data in order that corrective action may be taken as soon as possible to prevent a recurrence.

Following completion of the initial report prepared by the team, all employment and safety instructions have been reviewed and amended as necessary. Planning is in place for the conduct of a seminar for all Defence Force instructors prior to bringing the weapon back into service. In accordance with Defence Forces Regulations, a Court of Inquiry was also established to investigate the incident. The report compiled by the Court of Inquiry was received by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) the Southern Brigade, earlier this week. The GOC will consider the report and forward the report, with any recommendations as necessary, to the Deputy Chief of Staff (Support).