To ask the Minister for Defence if he can furnish the Dáil with particulars of the number of officers and men of the Army who have been killed or wounded by the accidental discharge of firearms or explosives since July 11th, 1921, and what steps have been taken to guard against such accidents in future.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. - ACCIDENTS TO MILITARY.
LIAM O BRIAIN
General MULCAHY
No records are available from which figures can be supplied as regards the number of officers and men of the Army killed or wounded by the accidental discharge of firearms or explosives prior to the 1st June, 1922. Since the latter date five officers and nineteen N.C.O.'s and men were either killed at the time of the accident or died later from the effects. Particulars as to the numbers wounded are not at present available. The steps taken to guard against such accidents include instructions in the use of firearms, hints on the care of firearms circulated to troops, and disciplinary action following the sitting of a Court of Enquiry in case of each accident.