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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 30 Jun 1999

Vol. 507 No. 3

Written Answers. - Defence Forces Accidents.

Dan Neville

Ceist:

58 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Defence if his Department has completed the investigation into the accident involving a 60 mm mortar in December 1997 in Kilworth Camp; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16735/99]

As I stated in my reply to Questions Nos. 126 and 143 on 1 April last, a court of inquiry was initiated immediately following the accident at Kilworth firing range and its report was subsequently submitted to higher military authority. The inquiry encompassed the findings of a military police investigation and a technical board of inquiry. The report as submitted gave rise to additional queries which could be addressed only by the reconvening of the court of inquiry. I am advised that the report of the reconvened court has been submitted and is currently under consideration by higher military authority. The Deputy will appreciate that courts of inquiry of this nature are intensive and wide ranging and can take some considerable time to bring to completion.

As I indicated in my earlier reply, the outcome of the inquiry will determine if any action needs to be taken in the interests of safety. However, weapons handling training on the mortar type involved in this accident is continuing but live firing for training purposes has ceased pending completion of the investigations.

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