Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Question 197: To ask the Minister for Defence the reason the Reserve Defence Force was not used in the recent flooding emergency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45103/09]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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The Government's White Paper on Defence sets out the role the Defence Forces might play in the provision of support and services to other public agencies and the community in general. The Defence Forces can provide assistance in the maintenance of essential services during natural disasters and in major accidents and emergencies. The level of support that can be provided by the Defence Forces is demand led and provided on an "as available basis", having regard to both current and contingent Defence Forces operational commitments.

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 severe weather. The Defence Forces have met all requests for assistance from within the existing capacity and resources of the Permanent Defence Forces without the need to call on the Reserve.