Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 199: To ask the Minister for Defence the degree to which specific training is provided to assist in a rapid response in the event of a natural disaster or terrorist attack; the degree to which cooperation and coordination between the Army, Navy and Air Corps and the appropriate Minister of a Government Department with overall responsibility is likely; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9650/10]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 205: To ask the Minister for Defence if a rapid response unit exists within the Defence Forces with the objective of a rapid response to natural disasters at home or abroad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9656/10]

Pat Carey (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 199 and 205 together.

The involvement of the Defence Forces in responding to emergencies arises from requests for assistance from An Garda Síochána (as aid to the civil power) or from other agencies of the State (as 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 full spectrum of Defence Forces personnel and equipment commensurate with operational requirements is available for deployments in response to emergencies and crises. This includes, inter alia, a variety of off-road vehicles, engineer plant, trained drivers and operators, fixed and rotary wing aircraft, Naval Service ships and divers, personnel with other skills in areas such as logistics and medicine. The Defence Forces alert system is based on a graduated response, which ensures that the required level of readiness and commitment by the Defence Forces can be readily achieved.

As a support agency, the Defence Forces deploy capabilities which are integral to their military and contingency roles and training is in relation to these capabilities rather than specific capabilities for natural disasters or possible terrorist attacks. The Framework for Major Emergency Management sets out the structure enabling the Principle Response Agencies (An Garda Síochána, the Health Service Executive and Local Authorities) to prepare for, and make a coordinated response to, major emergencies and the Defence Forces respond within that framework.

The Major Emergency Framework sets out the specific arrangements for coordination and cooperation between the primary response agencies and the Defence Forces. The Operations Directorate in Defence Forces Headquarters manages the necessary cross service coordination. These arrangements have proved effective in all emergencies encountered to date.

There is no dedicated Defence Forces unit which is designated with responsibility for responding to overseas emergencies. However, subject to Government approval, Defence Forces capabilities can be made available for such operations. In addition, members of the Defence Forces are on the rapid response register of Irish Aid and a stockpile of humanitarian aid is stored in the Curragh camp.