Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 19: To ask the Minister for Defence if he has satisfied himself that adequate resources and equipment are available to the Defence Forces in the event of their being called upon to assist following a terrorist attack or natural disaster; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25979/05]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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The most important defence against any terrorist attack is detection and prevention by the security forces. While the Garda has the primary responsibility for law and order, one of the roles assigned to the Defence Forces is the provision of aid to the civil power. In practice, that means that the Defence Forces assist the Garda when requested. The various components of the Defence Forces are active in this regard, providing whatever assistance is appropriate in specific circumstances. The level of terrorist threat to Ireland is continually assessed. The advice available to me suggests that while the terrorist threat to certain parts of Europe is high, in relation to Ireland, it is low. However, it is prudent that we take precautions and keep matters under continuous review.

The Defence Forces make contingency plans for a range of scenarios in which the State may be at risk. An urgent and detailed review to deal with a range of emergency situations was undertaken by the military authorities following the events of 11 September 2001. The review included, inter alia, an update of the threat assessment, intensive contacts with other State agencies, a reassessment of operations orders relating to vital installations, alert systems, the Army ranger wing, ordnance and engineer aspects in terms of explosive ordnance disposal and specialist search, a review of equipment and the need for air defence. All matters arising were addressed and all procedures updated as required. As the Deputy appreciates, however, it is not possible to expand on the operational details of such plans. The capacity of the Defence Forces to deal with major emergencies is kept under constant review. Plans and procedures are updated as necessary and the additional equipment that 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 most important defence against any attack is of course external vigilance, detection and prevention by the security forces. All the necessary resources of the Garda and the Defence Forces are deployed to this end.