Brian O'Shea
Question:64 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Defence the nature of the training being provided for Russian officers by the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4019/01]
Written Answers. - Defence Forces Training.
During his visit to Russia from 14-16 September 1999 the Taoiseach gave a commitment to the Russian Federation authorities that the Irish security forces would be happy to share their expertise in regard to helping the Russian armed forces in dealing with terrorism. Following this commitment, the Government agreed on 28 September 1999 to official visits to Russia by the Chief of Staff and the Garda Commissioner. As a result of this decision the Chief of Staff visited Moscow from 26-28 June 2000.
During his visit the Chief of Staff met the Russian armed forces and the issue of urban terrorism was discussed. The Russian armed forces have major problems in dealing with urban terrorism, particularly the matter of car bombs and other explosive devices placed in urban areas. They recognise the Irish Defence Forces expertise in this area and were anxious to avail of training in this country.
As a result, two explosive ordnance disposal – EOD – experts from the Defence Forces travelled to Moscow from 13-17 November 2000 to assess the Russian Federation needs in this field, and, following on from this, members of the Russian armed forces were invited to visit Ireland for appropriate ordnance training. On 5 February 2001, 12 members of the Russian armed forces began a three week course of training in the area of ordnance disposal with the Defence Forces Ordnance Corps. The training is being conducted at the Defence Forces Ordnance School facilities in Dublin and at the Curragh.
Question No. 65 answered with Question No. 48.