asked the Minister for Defence if members of the Army Observer corps have been co-operating with members of the armed forces of NATO countries in nuclear fallout exercises; if a direct telephone link exists between Custume Barracks and a station in Preston, England, which is under the control of the British air force for use in these exercises; if he considers that such links with NATO countries are appropriate for a neutral country; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Nuclear Fallout Exercises.
6.
Limerick West): Members of the Army Observer Corps have not been co-operating with members of the armed forces of NATO countries in nuclear fallout exercises. With our Civil Defence Organisation, they have participated for many years in exercises involving the British Warning and Monitoring Organisation, which is under the control of the British Home Office. The purpose of these exercises is to ensure that the necessary communications, including telephone links, are operating.
There are contacts between our Civil Defence and similar organisations abroad to secure information on nuclear bursts and fallout patterns which is vital to their role of protection of civilian lives in wartime. These contacts are in furtherance of that role, have no military significance, and are completely consistent with the country's position of neutrality.
Will the Minister say whether there is a telephone hotline communication between Custume Barracks, Athlone, and a station in England under the British airforce and would he not agree that this is extraordinary for a neutral country like Ireland?
(Limerick West): I have explained to the House in reply to the question that there has been participation for many years with the British Warning and Monitoring Organisation which is under the control of the British Home Office. As I have said, this is in keeping and consistent with the country's position of neutrality.
Would the Minister state whether those communications are between civilian or military personnel?
(Limerick West): I have said that the Civil Defence Organisation have participated in exercises involving the British Warning and Monitoring Organisation which is under the control of the British Home Office.
Is the Minister for Defence in a position to state the precise section of the British authorities, whether the British Home Office, Department of Defence or any section of the intelligence forces, which is involved in the link which is referred to in the question?
(Limerick West): The British Home Office. As I have said, it involves the British Warning and Monitoring Organisation which is under the control of the British Home Office.