Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 168: To ask the Minister for Defence the role of the Defence Force in the event of a major emergency or terrorist attack; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35143/09]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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Emergency planning in this country is developed on the "lead department" principle. This means that each department is responsible for planning for emergencies that fall within its area of responsibility. The Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform is the lead government department in relation to national security related incidents (including terrorism).

The Government Task Force on Emergency Planning supports coordination of emergency planning across departments and key agencies. The Task Force, which I chair, meets on a regular basis and provides a forum for sharing information and keeping emergency planning high on the agenda of all government departments. At each meeting, An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces provide an update of the security threat analysis. The last meeting of the Task Force was held on 30 September 2009.

The Framework for Major Emergency Management sets out a structure enabling the Principal Response Agencies (An Garda Síochána, the Health Service Executive and Local Authorities) to prepare for, and make a coordinated response to, major emergencies resulting from events such as fires, transport accidents, hazardous substance incidents and severe weather. The Major Emergency Plans which have been developed by local and regional authorities identify the procedures for requesting assistance from the Defence Forces. The involvement of the Defence Forces in responding to emergencies arises from requests for assistance from An Garda Síochána (aid to the civil power) or from other agencies of the State (aid to the civil authority). The role of the Defence Forces in these situations is dependent on the nature of the incident and the assistance requested.

The negotiation of prior agreed arrangements through Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) and Service Level Agreements (SLAs) between the Department of Defence, the Defence Forces and relevant Government Departments continues to facilitate a planned and efficient response in emergency situations. SLAs have been agreed with a range of Departments in this regard and discussions are ongoing with other Government Departments and agencies regarding the developments of further SLAs.