Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

As the Deputy will know, the Defence Forces hold a wide range of engineering and transport plant and equipment for military purposes and all such plant and equipment suitable for use in emergencies and severe weather situations is made available as the need arises. The type of plant and equipment suitable for use includes: a 40 tonne crane; a heavy duty fork-lift; tracked and wheeled excavators; bulldozers; articulated dump trucks; integrated tool transport carriers; materials; handlers; water purification plants; and a variety of smaller plant excavators, generators, lighting sets, pumping equipment, water trailers and other items.

In the context of the snow event that occurred last winter, it was a particularly unusual event. There is an issue in circumstances where there are limited resources available as to how to make best use of resources as to what plant and equipment should be purchased and as to whether it is likely that such plant and equipment will be used or whether it could end up being stored for many years and not utilised. A broad range of issues arise in respect of which judgments must be made. I am anxious to ensure any essential equipment required for regular use is available so people's safety can be secured when at risk and so that people can be accessed in snow, flooding or where other climatic issues that arise. This issue has been under review and the emergency task force will consider it further at our forthcoming meetings.

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