asked the Minister for Defence if equipment for bomb disposal units is under construction in Army workshops; the stage of development now reached; if the reports are satisfactory; and if equipment has been purchased recently for bomb disposal units and, if so, its cost and the country of origin.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Bomb Disposal Equipment.
8.
Some research and development work on bomb disposal equipment has been carried out in Army workshops but much more would require to be done before an operational prototype could be produced. The progress so far is satisfactory.
Bomb disposal equipment was recently purchased from Britain. It is not the practice to disclose contract prices.
Can the Minister indicate if this work is still progressing, that is, the development in the Dublin barracks? It was indicated in the newspapers that it had been stopped.
No. It is being used as what is described here as a test bed. It is also useful as an instructional model so that Army personnel can practise with it. Much more research would be required before an operational prototype could be produced. It is not possible at the moment to say how the project will turn out or what the final cost of producing a fully operational robot will be, but the work is proceeding.
Would it be correct to say that, if they perfect a robot, it will be able to take the Minister's place on the front bench?
The Deputy would be lonely without me.