Vol. 399 No. 11
15 Mr. McCartan asked the Minister for Defence the reason no left-handed Steyr rifles were purchased; if he will purchase a number of these rifles in order to relieve difficulties for left-handed soldiers using right-handed weapons; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The standard 5.56mm Steyr Aug A 1 rifle is designed for firing from the right shoulder. Evaluation trials of the weapon established that there was no significant accuracy variation in the use of the standard weapon by personnel who are predominantly left-handed. For safety reasons, also, in the general use of the weapon by personnel it was decided that the standard weapon only should be purchased.
Will the Minister agree that it was something of an oversight, nothing more, to explain the fact that no left-handed weapons were purchased? Will he clarify his suggestion that there is a standard right-handed weapon? Will he not agree that the weapon is equally adaptable to right-hand and left-hand use and that now many left-handed soldiers in the Defence Forces are being put to considerable disadvantage in having to retrain and realign their shooting positions?
When I read this question I investigated personally because I have a view equivalent to what Deputy McCartan expressed, but the Army authorities say they can train left-handed people to fire this gun in a right-handed manner. I also understand and accept as fact that the Austrian, Australian and New Zealand armies have also accepted the same type Steyr rifle as their service weapon and they purchase right-handed weapons only.
Would the Minister agree that it takes only a very small modification of the weapon to adapt it to left-hand use?
I do not know. All I am told is that they can adapt the right-handed firing for left-handed people. No problem hinges on that. They reinforce their arguments by saying, as I have said, that the Austrian, Australian and New Zealand armies purchase only right-handed weapons of this category and have found left-handed personnel are able to use them.
Let me call in the Deputy on my right hand, Deputy Ted Nealon.
In view of what happened on the playing field in Cagliari, I am sure the Minister will agree that any Irishman who favours his left hand or foot should not be handicapped in any way.
Good man. My common sense would lead me to go along with what the Deputy is saying, but the Army say otherwise.
Since most of the Minister's party have an Army background, he should have access to reasonable advice.
Having had the opportunity of visiting a number of Army barracks and seeing these weapons in use and in store, I can say this is a source of irritation and resentment to those who use their left as opposed to their right arm, and perhaps it should be pursued further in view of the fact the Minister seems to see merit there.
I will bring the report of this discussion to the notice of the Army authorities and add my view to what has been said.
