Austin Deasy
Question:89 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Defence the methods used for the disposal of munitions which are deemed unsafe. [17590/00]
Written Answers. - Munitions Disposal.
Strict quality assurance procedures are in place to ensure that munitions held by the Defence Forces are safe to use. Stock items which may be no longer required are set aside for disposal by specialist contractors where the quantities are large or by destruction in the case of small items. Any munitions fired at military range practices which have not been destroyed by use are disposed of in situ, usually by demolition.
From time to time the discovery of non-service munitions is reported by members of the public, usually to the Garda Síochána. Following the receipt of such reports, the standard procedure is for the Garda Síochána to call in an explosive ordnance disposal, EOD, team from the Defence Forces. The team examines the find and decides on appropriate action to render it harmless or to destroy it, in the light of the circumstances of the particular case.