38 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Defence, in view of the business difficulties being experienced by a company (details supplied) in the manufacture of certain weapons currently issued to the Defence Forces whether he has satisfied himself regarding the security of parts and other supplies from Belgium; whether it is intended to continue to equip reserve units with weapons from this supplier; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

A programme for the transfer of FN 7.62mm rifles, formerly held by the Permanent Defence Force, to units of An Fórsa Cosanta Áitiúil commenced early in 1990 and it is intended to continue with this programme. I am fully satisfied that sufficient quantities of spares are held by the Defence Forces to ensure the serviceability of these weapons for the foreseeable future.