Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 467: To ask the Minister for Defence if he has satisfied himself that the Navy and Air Corps are sufficiently and adequately equipped to deal with all possible situations arising in the event of emergency or air or sea rescue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17414/06]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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The Irish Coast Guard has overall responsibility for the provision of maritime Search & Rescue services within the Irish Search and Rescue Region. The White Paper on Defence establishes the roles of the Defence Forces as including the provision of assistance to civil authorities as and when required. The Defence Forces have never been found wanting in this regard, and in the event of any emergency request from the Coast Guard, or, indeed from any other service, the Naval Service and Air Corps will respond to any such request in its usual efficient and supportive manner and to the best of their capability.