Vol. 562 No. 1
213 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Defence the number of nuclear, biological and chemical suits the Defence Forces had in August 2002; the numbers purchased since then; the num bers currently operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5419/03]
The Defence Forces have available to them equipment for monitoring and protecting its members in dealing with any nuclear, biological or chemical, NBC, threats identified from time to time. A programme for the purchase of NBC equipment is ongoing and whatever equipment deemed necessary by the military authorities is purchased to meet their requirements.
The Defence Forces had approximately 4,900 NBC suits in August 2002. A further 2,000 NBC suits were delivered late last year. Of these 6,900 NBC suits, 2,500 are currently on issue to units for training purposes.
