Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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Question 255: To ask the Minister for Defence if the upsurge in the prevalence of improvised explosive devices throughout the country is placing a strain on the resources of the Defence Forces; in view of this upsurge in both the Republic and Northern Ireland, the measures he has taken or will take to address the ability of persons or groups to produce such devices; the effect the increased sophistication in such devices is having on the ability of the Defence Forces and Garda; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8669/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I am satisfied that the Defence Forces have the necessary resources and capabilities to meet the current threat. The level of threat is kept under constant review by both An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces, including their respective intelligence services. Whilst responsibility for apprehending and bringing those involved in the production of such devices rests with An Garda Síochána, the Defence Forces, pursuant to their role in providing Aid to the Civil Power, assist the Gardaí as required.

Requests made by An Garda Síochána for assistance in dealing with a suspect device or for the removal of old ordnance are responded to by the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Team in the relevant Brigade.

The challenge of dealing with the increasing level of sophistication in the preparation of IEDs is and will continue to be an integral part of the training that is provided to members of the Defence Forces who provide a unique response capability within the State to deal with such incidents. Apart from the significant levels of training which EOD Teams receive, the Defence Forces are also provided with specialised modern equipment in order to allow personnel to operate safely in dealing with incidents involving suspect devices. These capabilities have been enhanced and developed over many years in operational environments both at home and overseas and through continuing liaison with international agencies. The effectiveness of the Defence Forces in this very important function has undoubtedly saved many lives.

To date in 2011, the Defence Forces' Explosive Ordnance Disposal Teams have had 66 call outs compared to a total of 192 in 2010 and 196 in 2009. Of the 66 call outs to date this year, nine devices were found to be viable IEDs.