Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 87: To ask the Minister for Defence the degree to which the Defence Forces are equipped and capable of dealing with eventualities in the event of a terrorist attack, with particular reference to the availability of breathing and skin protection; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6709/05]

David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 102: To ask the Minister for Defence the number of NBC protective clothing suits that will be purchased by his Department in 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6730/05]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 87 and 102 together.

The Garda Síochána has primary responsibility for law and order, including the protection of the internal security of the State. It continuously monitors the potential threats to the State arising from international terrorism in co-operation with the Defence Forces.

The Defence Forces make contingency plans for a range of scenarios where the security of the State may be at risk. In addition, the Defence Forces have contingency plans in place in relation to the provision of aid to the civil power — meaning in practice to assist, when requested, the Garda Síochána, and the provision of assistance to the civil authorities for a range of emergency situations.

The capacity of the Defence Forces to deal with major emergencies is kept under constant review. Plans and procedures are updated as necessary and such additional equipment as is required to address any perceived deficiencies is acquired on the basis of identified priorities. Training and preparation for such events is also provided for in the Defence Forces annual training plan.

The Defence Forces have available to them equipment for monitoring and protecting their members in dealing with nuclear, biological or chemical, NBC, threats identified from time to time. They hold an extensive range of modern NBC equipment that meets their current requirements. This range includes approximately 7,000 NBC suits, 1,500 of which were delivered in 2004. It is planned to purchase a further 1,000 NBC suits this year.

In addition, the Defence Forces have a sufficient stock of respirators for each individual soldier. They also have 98 of the most technologically up to date chemical agent monitors and Defence Forces personnel have been trained on their operation. Other equipment on hands includes biological agent detector and screening kits, group decontamination equipment and personal decontamination equipment.

The requirement for additional NBC equipment is kept under continuous review by the Defence Forces. A programme for the purchase of NBC equipment is ongoing and whatever equipment deemed necessary is purchased expeditiously to meet the changing requirements.