Bernard Allen
Question:63 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Defence if he will publish the report on the accident at Kilworth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13712/00]
Written Answers - Firing Range Accident.
A court of inquiry was initiated immediately following the accident which occurred at Kilworth Firing Range on 9 December 1997 in which five Defence Forces personnel were injured, one seriously. The inquiry encompassed the findings of a military police investigation and a technical board of inquiry. Weapons handling training on the 60mm mortar continued but live firing for training purposes ceased pending completion of the aforementioned investigations. The report submitted to higher military authority gave rise to additional queries which could only be addressed by the reconvening of the court of inquiry and this was done. The report of the reconvened court of inquiry was submitted to me on the 10 August last.
Paragraph 11 of Defence Force Regulations A.5 – Courts of Inquiry provides that "the findings and recommendations of all courts of inquiry shall be treated as confidential." Accordingly, the report of the court of inquiry will not be made public.
I can assure the House however, that all drills and procedures as well as all other aspects of firing exercises are kept constantly under review by the military authorities.