Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 382: To ask the Minister for Defence if he is satisfied that the Permanent Defence Forces are sufficiently equipped in terms of military hardware to deal with all or likely eventualities in the event of a terrorist attack or natural disaster; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25243/09]

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 an Garda Siochána have 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, meaning in practice to assist, when requested, an Garda Síochána. The various components of the Defence Forces are active in this regard, providing such assistance as is appropriate in specific circumstances.

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.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 386: To ask the Minister for Defence if he will indicate the extent to which all members of the Defence Forces will be issued with the necessary protection in the event of a gas or chemical attack; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25247/09]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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The Defence Forces have available to them equipment for monitoring and protecting their members in dealing with Nuclear, Biological or Chemical (NBC) threats should such arise. They hold an extensive range of modern NBC equipment that meets their current requirements. This range includes NBC suits and a sufficient stock of Respirators for each individual soldier. They also have 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.