Vol. 548 No. 3
63 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Defence if he has received the report of the investigation by the military authorities into the incident in the Glen of Imaal on 27 November 2001 in which a member of the Defence Forces was injured in a shooting incident; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4679/02]
On the night of 27 November 2001, a progression course from two to three star private ranking was under way in the Glen of Imaal A number of personnel were instructed to fire blank ammunition during the course of the exercise. During the exercise a number of live rounds of ammunition were accidentally discharged. The injured private received bullet wounds to his arm and chest. A military ambulance was on site and the injured party was immediately treated by a qualified emergency medical technician. The injured private was then transferred to Tallaght Hospital and subsequently to St. James Hospital where he underwent treatment. The injured private is still under medical care and I would like to take this opportunity to wish him a speedy recovery.
Military police were immediately called to the scene and their investigation of the incident is not yet completed. It is anticipated, however, that the completed military police report will be submitted to the military authorities in the coming weeks. Pending the outcome of the investigation, arrangements have been put in place to ensure that a recurrence of the events of 27 November does not take place.
