Billy Timmins
Question:65 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Defence the number of nuclear, biological and chemical suits in stock; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8943/03]
Written Answers - Defence Forces Equipment.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:110 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which remedial supplies, equipment or materials are available in the event of a chemical or gas attack; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9220/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 65 and 110 together.
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 continual review by the Ordnance Corps. Any proposals from the Ordnance Corps in this regard for new or additional NBC equipment are dealt with expeditiously by the Department.
The Defence Forces hold a range of NBC equipment which meets their current requirements. In particular, there is a total of approximately 6,900 NBC suits and 13,500 respirators available to the Defence Forces at present. They also have approximately 100 of the most technologically up to date chemical agent monitors for the detection of chemical warfare agents. The Defence Forces also have three large and 15 small decontamination systems for the decontamination of personnel, vehicles and contaminated areas.
NBC training is ongoing throughout the Defence Forces and in that regard 2,500 NBC suits are currently on issue to units for that purpose.