asked the Minister for Defence the number of nuclear, chemical and biological (NCB) protective suits available to the Defence Forces and the Civil Defence in the event of a nuclear or biological accident or incident; if he considers this number adequate; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Within the limits of the financial resources made available each year in the Defence Vote there is an on-going programme for the purchase of modern nuclear, biological and chemical protective equipment including suits for military training and operational purposes. It is not the practice to disclose details regarding the purchase of the equipment referred to.

I would accept what the Minister says about the normal purchase of equipment for the Defence Forces. Would the Minister not consider it unreasonable not to disclose information in the case of the type of equipment about which I am asking, that is protective suits against nuclear, biological or chemical warfare which would affect all of the population? Surely he must realise that we would all be interested in what protective equipment is available to the members of the Civil Defence and Defence Forces in order to operate under such conditions. Could the Minister not give us some idea?

I can assure the Deputy that quantities of these suits and respirators have been purchased, together with accessories, such as boots, gloves and protective kits, and are held in stock. There have also been many developments in recent years in the manufacture and design of these types of suits which will continue to be reviewed by the Department. I might add also that there is provision in the 1988 Estimates for the possible purchase of additional suits when these technical investigations are at an advanced stage.

I am glad to learn that the Minister has succeeded in having an amount included in the 1988 Estimates for the purchase of additional protective suits. However, would he confirm that the numbers held already are totally inadequate? Could he confirm that there are in fact no more than 20?

There are approximately 17,000 respirators in stores and these are considered to be adequate for the training and operational activities concerned.

But they are not protective suits.

The number of suits held in store is over 800. As I have said, there is provision for their augmentation. As the Deputy will be aware their manufacture and design is changing constantly. This is being constantly reviewed and there is some money provided for the purchase of additional suits this year.

When the Minister says there are over 800 suits in storage I take it he is talking about suits of all kinds, for fire protection and so on. Is the Minister saying there are over 800 NBC suits on hand?

Yes, 800 NBC suits.