Almost three quarters of the State's defence forces would be left unprotected in the wake of a chemical or nuclear terror attack, it was claimed today.
Fine Gael defence spokesman Mr Billy Timmins said it was a prime example of the Government's irresponsible attitude to the threat of international terrorism.
The permanent and reserve Defence Force totals 24,175 personnel, yet only 7,000 protective-clothing suits are available in the event of a nuclear, biological or chemical emergency.
Mr Timmins said it was a fundamental right of the army, navy and air corps to be prepared to deal with the fall-out from an attack.
"Protective clothing is a basic requirement of the Defence Forces, without which they cannot operate fully in the event of a nuclear, biological or chemical emergency," the Fine Gael TD said.
"Each member of the Defence Forces should be issued with a personal NBC protective-clothing suit.
"The importance of the Defence Forces, and their need to be equipped to a higher standard, should be reflected in the upcoming estimates and budget."
Mr Timmins said both the air corps and naval service had been left without any form of protective suits.
And the TD said Finance Minister Brian Cowen should allocate sufficient funds in the upcoming Budget to ensure the forces were fully equipped to deal with an attack.
"In the context of the heightened global risk of terrorism, this is a prime example of the extent to which the Defence Forces have been irresponsibly under-equipped to deal with potential attacks of this type."
Defence Minister Willie O'Dea said the need for additional equipment was under constant review.
And he said personnel were well trained to assist the Gardai in the wake of an attack.