Vol. 545 No. 4
75 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Defence the number of occasions since 11 September 2001 on which the Defence Forces have been called out to deal with feared chemical or biological incidents; if the response is available on a 24 hour basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30647/01]
The Defence Forces have responded to 119 separate suspect biological incidents to date, all of which have proved negative.
An operational plan incorporating all relevant chemical and biological protocols was issued by the military authorities on 2 November to all relevant military personnel and accordingly, the Defence Forces are in a position to respond to all such requests when requested to do so by the Garda authorities. I am pleased to state that this service is available on a 24 hour basis.
