Vol. 493 No. 3
183 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Defence if, further to Parliamentary Question No. 116 of 4 June 1998, the issuing of only 195 pairs of hygiene pads to FCA in the S Command out of 13,700 pairs purchased indicates that health and safety requirements in relation to shared equipment are effectively being ignored to the detriment of the health of FCA members; and if this is exposing the State to further potential claims. [16064/98]
The purpose of these paper or tissue-like pads is to act as a disposable cover for the parts of the ear-muff type protectors covering the ear. Their purpose is for hygiene only when such ear protectors are shared and does not affect their noise attenuation properties.
Provision is being made to provide members of An Fórsa Cosanta Áitiúil with a personal issue of ear muffs by next year. In the meantime I have directed the military authorities to ensure that until then there is a sufficient supply of pads for each exchange of ear protectors.
