Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 December 2004
418 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Defence if his attention has been drawn to the fact that members of the Defence Forces are obliged to travel long distances in Army trucks, such as from Donegal to Cork, without safety belts or other safety equipment; his views on whether this is acceptable; if there are plans to change the methods of transport for such long distances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32346/04]
View answerThe military authorities advise that troop carrying vehicles are the transport used by the Defence Forces for moving troops both to and from operations and training exercises. Where long distances are involved due consideration is given for adequate stops for rest and refreshments.
The troop carrying vehicle is an on-off road military vehicle designed to carry either fully kitted troops or stores in operational or training situations. The design of the vehicle is similar to that used by other western armies for the same purposes and as such complies with accepted international military practice and standards for the use of this type of vehicle.
