David Stanton
Question:114 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Defence the number of nuclear, biological and chemical suits available to members of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1532/05]
View answerWednesday, 26 January 2005
Questions (60, 61)
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:1285 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if he is satisfied that adequate protection and equipment is available to the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps in the event of a gas or similar attack; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2004/05]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 114 and 1285 together.
The Defence Forces have available to them equipment for monitoring and protecting their members in dealing with nuclear, biological or chemical, NBC, threats identified from time to time. They hold an extensive range of modern NBC equipment that meets their current requirements. This range includes approximately 7,000 NBC suits, 1,500 of which were delivered in 2004. It is planned to purchase a further 1,000 NBC suits this year.
In addition, the Defence Forces has sufficient stock of respirators for each individual soldier. They also have 98 of the most technologically up to date chemical agent monitors and Defence Forces personnel have been trained on their operation. Other equipment on hands includes biological agent detector and screening kits, group decontamination equipment and personal decontamination equipment.
The requirement for additional NBC equipment is kept under continuous review by the Defence Forces. A programme for the purchase of NBC equipment is ongoing and whatever equipment deemed necessary is purchased expeditiously to meet the changing requirements.
Question No. 115 answered with QuestionNo. 99.