Vol. 469 No. 3
230 Mr. M. Kitt asked the Minister for Defence the current position regarding a policy review on the role of landmines, particularly anti-personnel landmines in its current policy and practice, with a view to removing the operational use of anti-personnel landmines by the Defence Forces. [17537/96]
I have completed a policy review on the operational use by the Defence Forces of landmines, particularly anti-personnel landmines, and my position may be summarised as follows.
The Defence Forces will not use anti-personnel mines on any future Defence Force military operation but will continue to procure and use small quantities for purposes of training and research. It is essential that Defence Forces personnel receive realistic training in the detection, recognition, handling, methods of use and disposal of anti-personnel mines, particularly in view of their participation in overseas operations. The use of landmines other than anti-personnel mines will continue to be a feature of Defence Forces planning but any such mines would be detectable by standard metal detection equipment and would be equipped with anti-handling devices. The Defence Forces hold a small stock of anti-tank mines for training purposes. No operational stocks are currently held.
Perimeter defence and protection against infantry assaults will be provided by devices which are detonated by command. These devices are direct fire weapons which are fired at identifiable targets by defending troops in a similar manner to rifles and machine guns. They are not indiscriminate in their operation and do not present a threat to civilian populations either during or after a conflict. Where necessary, these weapons will be augmented by tripwire activated pyrotechnic flares. A small stock of these devices are held for training purposes. No operational stocks are currently held. Defence Forces tactical doctrine will be amended to incorporate the foregoing changes and training at all levels of the Defence Forces will reflect the changed doctrine. In addition, as the Deputy will be aware, the Government approved on 12 June 1996 an order under the Explosives Act, 1875, banning the manufacture, importation and sale of landmines.
