Court of Inquiry.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 July 2004

Thursday, 8 July 2004

Ceisteanna (85)

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

79 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 264, 265 and 266 of 27 January 2004, if the officer is responsible for complying with paragraphs B and C of training circular 03/77; if he has satisfied himself that on the night in question these paragraphs were complied with; if he has not satisfied himself that these two paragraphs were complied with, the charges that were preferred against the officers responsible for not complying with these paragraphs; the reason an exercise director was not appointed in this instance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20896/04]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Defence (Mr. M. Smith)

As I outlined in reply to a related question by the Deputy yesterday where an incident involves injury to a member of the Defence Forces, a formal court of inquiry is convened to take evidence and to make recommendations on the matters referred to it. In this case, the court of inquiry has not been convened as the incident is currently the subject of a civil action in the courts. I am advised that, once the matter has been disposed of by the courts, a court of inquiry will be convened. As the matter is the subject of an action by the individual involved and as the matter is still before the courts, it would not be appropriate for me to comment further on the matter at this time. I can assure the Deputy that, following the conclusion of the civil case, a court of inquiry will be held which will undertake a comprehensive examination of all aspects of this case.