Written answers

Wednesday, 24 February 2010

Department of Defence

Defence Forces Equipment

9:00 am

Photo of Denis NaughtenDenis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 78: To ask the Minister for Defence his plans to review the resources and equipment available to the Defence Forces in view of the recent weather conditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9168/10]

Photo of Pat CareyPat Carey (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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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 are not a principal response agency for such emergency situations that arise.

Requests for Aid to the Civil Authorities are met within the normal Defence Forces means and capabilities, and the Department of Defence does not purchase specialised equipment for the Defence Forces with the sole purpose of rendering Aid to the Civil Authorities. However, certain vehicles and equipment held by the Defence Forces to meet their current operational requirements can also be utilised to provide assistance to the civil authorities, as was done during the recent severe weather. Some of the equipment used included 4x4 Patrol vehicles, 4x4, 6x6 and 8x8 trucks, helicopters and boats.

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