Vol. 372 No. 4
asked the Minister for Defence if he will publish the results of the inquiry into the incident on Sunday, 29 March 1987 in which a person (details supplied) in County Kildare received a bullet wound while travelling in a car on a private road near the firing range on the Curragh.
14.
asked the Minister for Defence if any investigation has been carried out into the circumstances in which a civilian was shot and wounded by rifle from the shooting range on the Curragh camp, County Kildare; the measures taken to ensure that the lives of civilians are not placed in danger in this way; and not if he will make a statement on the matter.
(Limerick West): I propose to take Questions Nos. 13 and 14 together. The circumstances of the incident referred to by the Deputies are at present under preliminary investigation by both the military and Garda authorities. The result of this investigation will determine what action, if any, is required.
Can the Minister indicate to the House whether he intends to publish the results of the investigations when they are completed?
(Limerick West): Yes.
Has the Minister fully familiarised himself with the circumstances surrounding this incident and has he taken measures to ensure that there will be no recurrence of it?
(Limerick West): The answer is in the affirmative.
In that context can the Minister tell us what interim steps or measures have been taken pending the determination of this investigation to ensure that there will be no recurrence? It seems that there are some difficulties in the area that there is a definite need to safeguard both life and limb and that some interim measures should be taken. What steps, if any, have been taken?
(Limerick West): All the necessary safeguards have been put in hand and I would prefer not to make any further comment until the investigation has been completed.
From his initial investigation, can the Minister tell us whether he is aware of the circumstances which caused this incident and if he has fully familarised himself with those circumstances? Does the Minister feel that there was a breakdown in communication or in security on that occasion?
(Limerick West): I am fully aware of the situation and will make a further statement when the investigations have been completed.
In order to allay any fears the general public may have while travelling in the vicinity of an Army shooting range can the Minister indicate to the House whether he is satisfied that there can be no recurrence pending the outcome of the inquiry?
(Limerick West): I am so satisfied.
This is an important issue. Can the Minister indicate in what way the precautions now differ from those which existed prior to the incident on 29 March so that the House can be assured that some new or additional steps have been taken to prevent a recurrence?
(Limerick West): A review of the safety measures is being undertaken and that the necessary precautions and safety measures are being put in hand.
The question was in what way do the existing precautions differ from those which were in existence prior to the incident on 29 March. An incident occurred on 29 March and a person was injured. We want to know what steps have been taken to prevent a recurrence? In what way do the precautions differ and what extra precautions are being taken?
(Limerick West): All I want to say is that the investigations are continuing. I am not prepared to make any further comment until I have received a full report on the investigations.
A Cheann Comhairle——
I am sorry, we cannot go on indeterminately on this question.
Does that mean that there could be a recurrence because no steps have been taken to prevent a recurrence?
(Limerick West): I did not say that.
We have disposed of ordinary Questions earlier than usual today. Have I the permission of the House to proceed with the nominated Question before us, No. 15? Agreed.
