Vol. 487 No. 7
44 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for Defence if the results have been received from the investigation into an incident in Kilworth Camp in December 1997, in which a soldier lost a hand and four others were less seriously injured; if he will give the year of manufacture of the mortar in use at the time; if the mortar is believed to have suffered metal fatigue; if all similar mortars have been withdrawn; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4916/98]
96 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Defence if the inquiry into the mortar accident at Kilworth Camp, County Cork, has been completed. [4852/98]
119 Mr. Barrett asked the Minister for Defence if he will report on the outcome of the investigations into the recent accident during military training involving a person (details supplied); the implications, if any, for safety; and the changes which are necessary to ensure high safety standards. [4793/98]
178 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Defence if he will report on the outcome of the investigations into the recent accident during military training involving a person (details supplied); the implications, if any, for safety; and the changes which are necessary to ensure high safety standards. [5213/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 44, 96, 119 and 178 together.
On the 9 December 1997 at Kilworth firing range, an accident occurred during firing practices with a 60mm light mortar. During the exercise, which was being conducted by Defence Forces personnel of the Southern Command, an explosion occurred in the vicinity of the gun position resulting in injuries to five personnel. A court of inquiry was initiated immediately following the accident and its deliberations are ongoing. The court of inquiry will encompass the findings of a Military Police investigation and a technical board of inquiry. As part of the technical board of inquiry, a metallurgical analysis will be carried out. The present stocks of 60mm mortars were purchased in 1954-55 and are part of the armament of all infantry battalions at home and the Irish battalion in Lebanon. Weapons handling training on the 60mm mortar is continuing but live firing for training purposes has, however, ceased pending completion of the aforementioned investigations. Safety procedure for military exercises are constantly reviewed and the current regulations were in place during this exercise. These regulations provide for the testing of personnel in basic skills before firing. They include safety precautions and misfire drills.
