Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 4 Nov 2003

Vol. 573 No. 3

Written Answers. - Defence Forces Property.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

167 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Defence the progress made to date into the circumstances in which a number of civilians came into contact with an unexploded tear gas canister near firing ranges at the Curragh; if the device had been used by military personnel based at the US Embassy; the number of occasions in each of the past five years in which such personnel have been allowed to use Defence Forces' property; if terms or conditions are attached to such use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25264/03]

Minister for Defence (Mr. M. Smith)

The matter to which the Deputy refers is currently under investigation by the military police. This investigation is at an advanced stage and is expected to be concluded shortly. My understanding is that the device to which the Deputy refers was discovered following the use of the range, on a courtesy basis, by military personnel from the US Embassy. Military personnel are required to use their personal arms at least once a year and US Embassy personnel have used the army range on five occasions over the past five years in this regard.

The arrangements for the use of the range are agreed in advance following a request from the US Embassy. The use of the range on the day is monitored and controlled by a range supervisor from the Defence Forces, in accordance with standing Defence Forces practices.

Once the current investigation is completed, I will consider whatever recommendations may be made to me in relation to the ongoing management and control of military ranges.