Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 265: To ask the Minister for Defence if the army, navy and air corps have access to adequate rescue personnel, craft and equipment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2607/10]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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The Irish Coast Guard has overall responsibility for the provision of maritime search and rescue services within the Irish Search and Rescue region. In accordance with the roles assigned to them by the Government in the White Paper on Defence, the Defence Forces are committed to providing support to the civil authorities including in relation to search and rescue. In this regard, the Naval Service and Air Corps provide support to the Coast Guard as the need arises and within their available capability. As in all cases of services that the Defence Forces can provide in support to the civil authorities, the services are demand-led and provided on an "as available basis", having regard to current and contingent Defence Forces operational commitments. It should be noted that the Defence Forces had adequate resources to deal with requests for assistance in the rescue of civilian personnel during the recent periods of flooding and severe weather across the country. This included the transportation of civilian personnel from flood-affected areas in Defence Forces vehicles. I am satisfied that the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service are fully equipped to meet the roles assigned to them by Government.