I gave notice yesterday that I was going to raise a question on the adjournment concerning the explosion that occurred at Athlone Barracks, as the result of which two soldiers and a civilian were killed. The Minister for Defence may be able to make some statement as to the intention in future to have munitions of this kind kept under proper control, so that the lives of the men will be safeguarded.
ATHLONE BARRACKS EXPLOSION.
I regret that this accident occurred. I have asked for particulars regarding it and a court of inquiry has been set up to consider and report to me. I am not in a position to make any statement to-day of an authoritative character, but I will communicate with the Deputy as soon as I get the information. I can assure the Dáil that precautions will be taken to see that such a thing will not occur again. Everything possible will be done to prevent it.
Does that dispose of the question?
No, I do not think the short statement of the Minister for Defence will be a guarantee that such a thing will not occur again in some other barracks. There are mines, I believe, in barracks in the Saorstát, notwithstanding the fact that in 1923 official orders were sent out to have these mines destroyed. I would like to know if the Minister has any reports from the different barracks as to whether these orders were carried out.
I have no such reports.
I am sorry that I will have to raise this matter on the adjournment as I am not satisfied with the reply.