asked the Minister for Defence the regulations regarding the presence of medical personnel and ambulance during firing practice at the Glen of Imaal, County Wicklow; if these regulations were complied with on 26 May 1977 at the time of an accidental explosion; the medical aid and equipment available on that date; and the qualifications of the medical personnel.
Written Answers. - Firing Practice Regulations.
108.
Military instructions relating to the medical precautions which must be observed during firing practice for the 81mm mortar require that a medical NCO with an ambulance must be present. There is no requirement for a medical officer to attend. These instructions were complied with on the occasion in question.
109.
asked the Minister for Defence the modifications which were made to the manual on the 81 mm mortar in 1978; and if these modifications arose from the accident at the Glen of Imaal on 26 May 1977.
The revision of training manuals is an ongoing process and is carried out in the light of new developments, experience gained, changes in equipment, procedures and organisation. Consequently, the relevant manual has been revised on numerous occasions since 1940 with a view to incorporating new developments, procedures etc., as follows: 1957, 1967-68, 1975 and 1978.