P. J. Sheehan
Ceist:109 Mr. Sheehan asked the Minister for Defence if the inquiry into the accident in December 1997 at Kilworth Range, County Cork, has been completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17955/98]
Written Answers - Kilworth Camp Incident.
Willie Penrose
Ceist:115 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Defence if he is satisfied with the length of time it has taken for the Court of Inquiry to carry out its investigation into the incident at Kilworth Camp, County Cork, in December 1997; the steps, if any, he has taken to improve the system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18084/98]
Emmet Stagg
Ceist:131 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Defence if he has received the report of the technical board of inquiry into the incident that occurred in Kilworth Camp, County Cork, in December 1997; if so, the steps, if any, he will take to ensure that any recommendations of the Court of Inquiry will be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18083/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 109, 115 and 131 together.
On 9 December 1997, at Kilworth firing range, an accident occurred during firing practices with a 60 mm light mortar. During the exercise, which was being conducted by Defence Forces personnel of the Southern Command, an explosion occurred in the vicinity of the gun. Five personnel were injured in this accident which resulted in their hospitalisation. Private Laura Guerin suffered serious injury which resulted in the loss of her left hand. Corporals McGrath and Dolan and Private O'Hare suffered abrasions and were discharged from hospital on 10 December having been detained overnight. Private Dinan had no physical injury but was also detained overnight in hospital for observation.
A court of inquiry was initiated immediately following the accident and I am advised that it has now completed its deliberations and has submitted its report to the convening officer. The inquiry encompassed the findings of a military police investigation and a technical board of inquiry. The Deputies will appreciate that courts of inquiry of this nature are intensive and wide ranging and can take some considerable time to bring to completion. Weapons handling training on the 60mm mortar is continuing but live firing for training purposes has, however, ceased pending completion of the aforementioned investigations.
Safety procedures for military exercises are constantly reviewed and the current regulations were in place during this exercise. These regulations provide for the testing of personnel in basic skills before firing. They include safety precautions and misfire drills. The outcome of the board of inquiry will determine if any further actions need to be taken in the interests of safety.