Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As an example of that, I recently approved a request for the Defence Forces to host another counter-marauding terrorist attack course, which will take place later this year. Previous iterations were hosted by Ireland and the positive feedback has been instrumental in developing further courses and seminars. The numerous terrorist attacks around the globe in recent years have highlighted the need for increased synergies between civil and military agencies in respect of counterterrorism strategies and this proposal addresses this need. The Defence Forces have an excellent reputation internationally in counter improvised explosive devices, CIED, capability and regularly contribute to host CIED training courses and workshops here. The course will bring together civil and military groups to examine, analyse and assess lessons identified for terrorist attacks, including motivation, financing, and social and economic implications. The objective of the course is to develop a graded system of attacks and to apply that to the development of comprehensive plans.

It is only right and proper that the Defence Forces continue to have joint training exercises with An Garda Síochána because we never know when an incident might happen, and both forces have to be ready whenever that happens. I am content and happy with the training and equipment that the Defence Forces have and I have been advised by military management that they are content.

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