Vol. 489 No. 7
102 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Defence the number of cases, during the past 12 months, where members of the Defence Forces have suffered death or injury as a result of the discharge of firearms; if he has satisfied himself with the adequacy of safety procedures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9247/98]
Over the past 12 months four incidents involving the use of firearms have occurred in the Defence Forces resulting in the deaths of two members and injuries to two others. Defence Force regulations, training instructions and directives on safety procedures are on issue to all units of the Defence Forces at home and abroad. These are issued to ensure that weapons handling safety procedures are strictly in accordance with the highest standards. The necessity for the diligent conduct of safety procedures in the handling of all weapons is given a high degree of importance during the training of all Defence Force personnel. These procedures are kept under review by the Defence Forces to ensure the highest possible standards of safety during weapons training.
