Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 42: To ask the Minister for Defence if he is satisfied with the level of support available to the Defence Forces to deal with severe weather emergencies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37985/10]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 55: To ask the Minister for Defence, in view of last winter's severe weather, his plans to review the resources and equipment available to the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37986/10]

Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 42 and 55 together.

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 as defined in the Framework for Major Emergency Management.

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 used to provide assistance to the civil authorities, as was done during the severe weather of late 2009/early 2010. Some of the equipment used by the Defence Forces included 4x4 Patrol vehicles, 4x4, 6x6 and 8x8 trucks, pumps, helicopters and boats.