Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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Question 32: To ask the Minister for Defence the number of call-outs of the explosive ordnance disposal team in regard to suspect devices or the removal of old ordnance to date in 2009 and for each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42188/09]

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, assist the Gardaí as required. Requests for aid to the civil power are normally made by a member of an Garda Síochána not below the rank of Inspector. 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. The Defence Forces EOD Team is required to treat all devices as suspect until the EOD Officer confirms the nature of the device. The number of call outs responded to by the Defence Forces EOD teams from 2004 to 2009 is as follows: