Vol. 536 No. 2
123 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Defence if he has satisfied himself with the adequacy of all safety procedures on all Defence Forces firing ranges; the number and frequency of times these procedures are checked or updated; the emergency procedures in place when the ranges are in use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13800/01]
I am advised by the military authorities that the general officer commanding each brigade nominates a unit commander in charge of each Defence Forces firing range. The unit commander has the responsibility for the allocation and maintenance of each firing range. In each brigade, senior staff officers are appointed to maintain engineering and communication facilities on the firing ranges. I am further advised by the military authorities that the nominated unit commander in charge of a range must publish range orders to include safety policy, warning signs, warning flags and safety flags. In addition, all orders must include medical cover required for each activity and a security plan.
Safety procedures must be rigorously checked by the officer in charge of range practices before any firing commences and most ranges have a maintenance staff who are tasked with ensuring that safety policy is implemented in addition to range maintenance. I am assured by the military authorities that all drills and procedures as well as all other aspects of firing exercises are kept constantly under review.
