Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 November 2022
499. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide an update on the purchase and provision of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear suits for members of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55223/22]
View answerUnder the Framework for Major Emergency Management the Defence Forces can be tasked in aid of Civil Power to provide operational support in a response to a national chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) incident in order to mark, cordon, monitor, measure, decontaminate, retrieve and dispose of any CBRN devices and matter so found. Additionally, the Defence Forces in the context of overseas deployments may be required to operate in CBRN environments.
The provision of an effective CBRN suit system is a priority matter which merits immediate action. To that end following extensive research and testing by the Directorate of Ordnance a solution has been identified and approval has been granted for the purchase and delivery of a consignment of CBRN suits for Q2 2023 which will meet the immediate and ongoing needs of the Defence Forces.
Specific details of the essential CBRN platforms and ancillaries are subject to normal operational security reporting restrictions and are not disclosed for operational security reasons.
