Frances Fitzgerald
Ceist:147 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Defence if the inquiry into the accident in December 1997 at Kilworth range, County Cork, has been completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17955/98]
Written Answers. - Defence Forces Accident Inquiry.
A court of inquiry was initiated immediately following the accident in question and I am advised that it has now completed its deliberations and its report is being considered by the military authorities. I expect the military authorities will report to me in the near future as to any action that may be necessary arising from the court of inquiry. The inquiry encompassed the findings of a military police investigation and a technical board of inquiry. The Deputy will appreciate that courts of inquiry of this nature are intensive and wide ranging and can take some considerable time to bring to completion. Weapons handling training on the 60 millimetre mortar is continuing but live firing for training purposes has, however, ceased pending the final outcome of the aforementioned investigations.
Safety procedures for military exercises are constantly reviewed and the current regulations were in place during this exercise. These regulations provide for the testing of personnel in basic skills before firing. They include safety precautions and misfire drills. The outcome of the inquiry will determine if any further actions need to be taken in the interests of safety.