Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 3 Jul 1996

Vol. 468 No. 1

Written Answers. - Ordnance Disposal Personnel.

Peadar Clohessy

Ceist:

20 Mr. Clohessy asked the Minister for Defence whether a request was received by the Defence Forces for them to supply explosive ordnance disposal or other personnel to operate in Atlanta, United States of America, in connection with the organisation of the forthcoming Olympic Games; if so, the date such a request was received; the date a decision was made on the matter by his Department; if he will give details of the decision that was made; whether, in view of inordinate delays in processing the request in his Department, the opportunity to provide such personnel was lost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14435/96]

Minister for Defence (Mr. Barrett)

On 5 March 1996 the Defence Attaché at the American Embassy forwarded to the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces a request from the US Federal Bureau of Investigation for explosive ordnance disposal facilities in connection with the Olympic Games in Atlanta. Approval in principle for provision of the required facilities was conveyed to the military authorities and to the US Defence Attaché on 23 April. I understand that arrangements for shipping, travel, etc. proceeded in anticipation of my formal approval which I gave following certain clarifications. My Department has recently heard unofficially from military sources that the FBI no longer requires our facilities. We are awaiting information in the matter from the US authorities.