136 Mr. L. Burke asked the Minister for Defence the training equipment and information, if any, on chemical and biological weapons given to the Civil Defence Forces. [9033/98]

Information and training on chemical and biological weapons have always been a part of basic or foundation training for all Civil Defence members. Advisory information is contained in a number of publications that have issued throughout the years. Equipment to detect and measure chemical and biological agents changes frequently with new advances in instrument technology and further development of agents. Such equipment would only be issued to members of Civil Defence should an imminent threat to this country be perceived.