Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Question 106: To ask the Minister for Defence the discussions he has had with the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform in regard to the 78 hoax callouts of the explosive ordinance disposable team from the period from 1 January to 15 November 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1977/10]

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, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Team, pursuant to their role of rendering aid to the civil power (ATCP), 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. I have not had formal discussions with the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform on this matter. Discussions are normally held at an operational level.

There continues to be ongoing cooperation and coordination, through well established channels, between representatives of the Defence Forces and An Garda Síochána. These consultations take the form of meetings, discussions, briefings and technical analysis. All EOD operations are discussed at regular meetings of the Defence Forces/Garda Síochána Improvised Explosive Device (IED) Working Group. The Defence Forces also liaise with an Garda Síochána in the technical analysis of evidence recovered from EOD operations.