Martin Brady
Question:55 Mr. M. Brady asked the Minister for Defence when ear protection will be issued to FCA personnel on an individual basis. [23029/97]
Written Answers. - Defence Forces Hearing Protection.
Brendan Howlin
Question:67 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Defence whether all serving personnel of the FCA and An Slua Muirí have been issued with individual hearing protection muffs; whether these are recorded on the kit issue of those serving particularly regarding the 25th and 17th battalions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23105/97]
Emmet Stagg
Question:75 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Defence the current position regarding the issue of ear protection muffs to FCA and An Slua Muirí personnel; and whether he has been satisfied by medical personnel that the pool issue available to FCA personnel is appropriate and will not, in itself, raise aural health issues. [23106/97]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 55, 67 and 75 together.
Ear plugs are issued to members of An Fórsa Cosanta Áitiúil and An Slua Muirí on a personal issue basis. Responsibility for hygiene in their use is, therefore, a matter for each individual. Ear muffs, which are not provided to members of FCA and Slua Muirí on a personal issued basis, are held by unit commanders for issue to the members, including the members of 17th and 25th Infantry Battalions, as and when required for use on firing ranges. Unused hygiene pads are issued for use with the muffs.
The ear plugs and ear muffs together with the hygiene pads that are on issue to the FCA and An Slua Muirí are the same as those that are on issue to members of the Permanent Defence Force. The hygiene pads on issue to the Defence Forces meet medical standards and are a standard feature in civilian life in employment where ear muffs are pooled and issued as and when required.