Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 183: To ask the Minister for Defence his views on the reason the number of hoax call outs to suspect explosive devices increased from 11 in 2007 to 58 in 2009; the action he will take to address this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5435/09]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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The primary responsibility for the maintenance of law and order rests with An Garda Síochána. The Defence Forces, pursuant to their role of rendering aid to the civil power (ATCP) assist the Gardaí as required. The Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Team respond when a request is made by An Garda Síochána, to the relevant Brigade, for assistance in dealing with a suspect device or for the removal of old ordnance. EOD teams operating in ATCP provide a unique response capability within the State to deal with EOD incidents. This capability has been developed over many years in operational environments, both at home and overseas. The determination as to whether a suspect device is viable or hoax can only be made following detailed inspection by the EOD Officer.