Michael Creed
Ceist:62 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Defence if the report into the accident at Kilworth Range in December 1997 is complete; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4960/99]
Other Questions. - Military Investigations.
Michael Ferris
Ceist:76 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Defence if the final report has been received from the court of inquiry established to investigate an incident in Kilworth Camp in December 1997 in which a soldier lost a hand and four others were less seriously injured while training with a mortar; if so, the conclusions of the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4997/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 62 and 76 together.
A court of inquiry was initiated immediately following the accident at Kilworth firing range, and its report was subsequently submitted to a higher military authority. The inquiry encompassed the findings of a military police investigation and a technical board of inquiry. I am advised by the military authorities that the report as submitted gave rise to additional queries which can only be addressed by reconvening the court of inquiry. The outcome of the inquiry will determine if any action needs to be taken in the interests of safety and in this regard I have asked the military authorities to have the court of inquiry reconvened as early as possible and to report to me on any action that may be necessary arising therefrom. 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 ceased pending completion of the aforementioned investigations. Safety procedures for military exercises are constantly reviewed and the current regulations were in place during that exercise. These regulations provide for the testing of personnel in basic skills before firing. They include safety precautions and misfire drills.
Is the Minister in a position to give the House details of why this matter had to go back to a court of inquiry, given that it is almost 18 months since this incident occurred? Has the Minister further information for the House or do we have to await the outcome of the inquiry?
These courts of inquiry are confidential. However, it is a matter of regret that it has taken such a long time to report. Accepting that it was a very technical exercise to undertake, I am still at a slight loss to know why it should have taken this amount of time. I would appreciate the Deputy's forbearance for a little while longer until the court of inquiry is reconvened and we will see what emerges from that.