Vol. 542 No. 4
62 Mr. G. Reynolds asked the Minister for Defence the equipment available to members of the Defence Forces to enable them to take such action as is appropriate in the context of a nuclear, biological or chemical attack and the fallout from such attack affecting this State; and if he is satisfied the equipment furnished to the Defence Forces meets all the needs of the Defence Forces should such circumstances arise. [24462/01]
The Defence Forces would play an integral role in the context of any possible nuclear, biological or chemical, NBC, threat in Ireland. The Defence Forces have available to them equipment for monitoring and protecting its members in dealing with any NBC threats identified from time to time.
A programme for the purchase of NBC equipment is ongoing and whatever equipment deemed necessary is purchased to meet the changing requirements. The requirement for additional NBC equipment is kept under continuous review by the Ordnance Corps. The question of additional requirements arising from the events of 11 September is being examined by the Ordnance Corps and any proposals in this regard for new or additional NBC equipment will be dealt with expeditiously.
The Defence Forces hold a range of modern NBC equipment which meets their current requirements. In particular, there is a total of approximately 1,800 NBC suits available to the Defence Forces at present. An order for an additional 4,000 NBC suits was placed in July 2001 with a delivery date in December 2001-January 2002. In addition, there are approximately 13,500 respirators available to the Defence Forces at present. They also have 50 of the most technologically up to date chemical gas monitors and Defence Forces personnel are currently being trained on these.
In the current climate, there is understandable concern and anxiety among all members of our society. However, it is important to emphasise that there is no reason to believe that Ireland is a direct target for international terrorist attacks.
The most important defence against any attack is of course external vigilance, detection and prevention by the security forces. To this end all the necessary resources of the Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces are being deployed and all that can be done is being done in this regard.
