asked the Minister for Defence if he will arrange for all troops on guard duties or on patrols of a security nature to be supplied with bullet-proof vests.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Bullet-Proof Vests.
126.
Issues of bullet-proof vests are made at the discretion of the appropriate military authority.
Can the Parliamentary Secretary state if there are adequate numbers of bullet-proof vests available to all the persons mentioned in the question?
The question relates to all troops on guard duties or on patrol of a security nature. I think the Deputy can take it that there are an adequate number of vests.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary arrange for this item of equipment to be issued as a matter of course?
Any superior officer who would see his men in danger, or put into a place of danger, obviously would take every precaution to ensure that they were protected and I imagine this protection would envisage the issue of bullet-proof vests.
Troops going on guard duty or on patrols of a security nature —which, by definition, are situations of potential danger—are not supplied with bullet-proof vests as a matter of policy. I am suggesting that in all such cases they should be supplied with these vests, particularly in view of the threatening noises that have been made recently by subversive elements.
Can we get any assurance from the Parliamentary Secretary that bullet-proof vests are, in fact, bullet-proof, when a gun is discharged at right angles to the wearer?
I am not an expert in this field and I cannot give the Deputy that assurance.
I appreciate that, but is it possible for us to get this information?
With respect, I do not see how it arises in this case. However, the Deputy might like to write to the Department of Defence.
The Parliamentary Secretary might get the information from the Department of Defence?
I will not. If the Deputy is interested sufficiently he can write to the Department.
I am calling Question No. 127.
If the Parliamentary Secretary pursues this matter, the next time he is asked a question he will know all about it.
The Deputy will know himself because he will have found out from the Department of Defence in the meantime.
I am calling Question No. 127.