Vol. 396 No. 8
27 Mr. McCartan asked the Minister for Defence the steps he has taken or intends to take to address hazards arising from electromagnetic radiation or ordnance; if he will outline its implications for members of the Defence Forces and the general public; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The element of hazard from electromagnetic radiation and electromagnetic interference for the safe operation and custody of ordnance employed by the Permanent Defence Forces of the State is minor and not such as to occasion concern. In cases where the Defence Forces themselves operate high powered radiation generators, as in the use of radar and communications equipments, standing operational procedures come into play to ensure that neither personnel nor sensitive or vulnerable equipments are affected. When equipments are being purchased for the Defence Forces, the specifications take into account the conditions, including electromagnetic radiation from military and non-military sources, in which they are intended for use.
I thank the Minister for his reply. I appreciate that this phenomenon has recently come into being. How long have the threats of electromagnetic radiation been of concern to the Defence Forces, particularly the ordnance personnel? To what extent, if at all, has the Minister been able to establish the possibility of this phenomenon causing otherwise unexplained accidents in the ordnance area of the Defence Forces?
I thank the Deputy for his detailed interest in this area and I have read the correspondence he has had with the Department. The Defence Forces are monitoring the problem and they do not see the need for drastic measures at present. It must be monitored in case it gets out of hand because there are very serious implications. It is also worrying other authorities throughout the world and we are keeping in touch with the United States in particular where they are familiar with the problems of hazards of electromagnetic radiation to ordnance. The background papers which the Deputy furnished to my Department are very helpful. I have acquainted my colleague, the Minister for Energy, with the problem and it is primarily his responsibility in regard to non-military scources and the population at large. As I said, it merits very close examination which it is getting at the moment.
I welcome the Minister's reply. I do not seek to be alarmist about this; like the Minister I do not consider it to be a major problem but it is a factor which should be borne in mind. Will the Minister indicate whether it is a factor borne in mind in urban located barracks where, I presume, there is the possibility of ordnance being stored near civilian accommodation?
Yes, that is a valid point. The question of storage in built up areas is a cause for worry, especially when radiation is involved. All these aspects will be examined and I am glad that the Deputy has drawn my attention — and that of the House — to the matter.
