Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 November 2021
240. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent of audits done to ascertain the extent to which all equipment, navigation and otherwise used by the Army whether on a regular or occasional basis is up to specific standards of an international level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56807/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra243. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which he remains satisfied that the standard and quality of equipment used by the Army and available for regular use is kept at the highest standard in order to ensure reliability and safety during operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56810/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 240 and 243 together.
My priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service, is maintained and developed to enable the Defence Forces to carry out their roles as assigned by Government, including overseas deployments.
The Equipment Development Plan (EDP) published in June 2020 provides a comprehensive list of planned equipment projects, which will be progressed over five years. This plan builds on the intentions set out in the White Paper in relation to equipment acquisition, modernisation and upgrade and has been developed to ensure that our Defence Forces have the major equipment platforms, ancillary equipment and force protection equipment to carry out their important roles both at home and overseas. The equipment planning process recognises the need to maintain and upgrade military capabilities having regard to emerging operational requirements and changes in technology, including communications equipment and technology and this is an ongoing process. When procuring all Defence Forces equipment, the process involves appropriately qualified Defence Forces personnel who ensure the relevant national and international standards for military equipment are taken into account and met, where applicable.
I am advised by the military authorities that General Routine Order (GRO) 05/2015 ‘Health and Safety Management in the Defence Forces’ sets out the Defence Forces health and safety risk management system, which is designed to control risk and continually improve health and safety risk performance through proactive and effective health and safety risk management. The Defence Forces Policy on Work Equipment is one such policy, outlined in part 6 of the GRO. This policy itself describes the Defence Forces methodology for the assessment of risk arising from work equipment. It provides guidance for military personnel, civilian employees and other relevant persons on the risk assessment process and control measures to be implemented to reduce the risk of injury from work equipment to a level that is as low as is reasonably practicable. Periodic equipment inspections are an intrinsic element of routine military unit activities; this includes user level, health and safety type checks and Ordnance technical type inspections to ensure that equipment is maintained to an operational state at all times.
I am advised by the Military Authorities that the Defence Forces have the necessary policies and procedures in place in line with best international practice in order to ensure the highest standards of health and safety in respect of the use of equipment to fulfil all roles assigned to them by Government, and that such policies and procedures are kept under review.
