Defence Forces Training

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 July 2019

Tuesday, 23 July 2019

Ceisteanna (74, 75)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

74. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 107 of 27 November 2018, the date on which it became policy and or standard practice to train new members of the Defence Forces as part of basic training in the use of general service respirators; the date on which it became policy and or standard practice to upskill and or train serving members of the Defence Forces in the use of general service respirators; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33176/19]

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

75. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 107 of 27 November 2018, the date on which it became policy and or standard practice to provide Defence Forces members with RPE training; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33180/19]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

I propose to take Questions Nos. 74 and 75 together.

The State Claims Agency is currently managing 10 claims taken against the Minister for Defence, for personal injuries alleging exposure to chemical and toxic substances whilst working in the Air Corps. I am advised that the questions asked by the Deputy appear to involve matters which are raised in the proceedings currently before the Courts. The Deputy will appreciate that as the questions appear to encroach into on-going litigation, it would be inappropriate for me to comment further.