Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 13 Feb 2002

Vol. 548 No. 3

Written Answers. - Defence Forces Reserve.

Ivor Callely

Question:

89 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Defence the importance which is attached to an Army reserve, particularly in view of the terrorist attacks in the US; if he will review the progress of the military board in the case of chemical and biological attacks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4110/02]

Minister for Defence (Mr. M. Smith):

The Reserve Defence Force is regarded as a valuable resource to augment the Permanent Defence Force in the exercise of their roles. In reply to a previous question to the House on 4 December 2001, I outlined, in full, the developments relating to the Reserve Defence Force and the work of the Reserve Defence Forces review implementation board.

In the aftermath of the events of 11 September an urgent review of capacities and procedures to deal with a range of emergency situations was undertaken by the military authorities and this review is ongoing. It includes, inter alia, an up-date of the threat assessment; contact with other State agencies was renewed or undertaken. Operations orders relating to vital installations, alert systems, the Army Ranger Wing, and so forth, were reassessed. Guidance documents pertaining to aid to the civil power and aid to the civil authorities were reassessed. Ordnance and engineer assets in terms of explosive ordnance disposal and specialist search were reassessed.

The Defence Forces have available to them equipment for monitoring and protecting its members in dealing with the varying nuclear, biological and chemical threats identified from time to time. A programme for the purchase of nuclear, biological and chemical equipment is ongoing and whatever equipment deemed necessary is purchased to meet the changing requirements. The Defence Forces hold a range of mod ern NBC equipment including a total of approximately 3,800 NBC suits. A further delivery of 2,000 NBC suits is due in April 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. There is an on-going programme of training for personnel as NBC instructors. Some 38 personnel recently successfully completed such courses of instruction. The requirement for additional NBC equipment is kept under continuous review by the Defence Forces. The Reserve Defence Force provides a radiological monitoring service at 32 locations throughout the country. This service has been provided as part of the national emergency plan for nuclear accidents since 1987.

The Defence Forces have responded to 123 separate suspect biological incidents since the events of 11 September last. An operational plan incorporating 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. This service is available on a 24 hour basis.

Question No. 90 answered with Question No. 79.

Question No. 91 answered with Question No. 45.