Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 149: To ask the Minister for Defence the extent to which he expects to be in a position to ensure adequate investment in emergency services provided by the Defence Forces in the future, notwithstanding the ongoing economic situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7192/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I am satisfied that the Defence Forces will continue to have the necessary resources to fulfil all the roles assigned to them by Government including the provision of assistance to the Civil Authorities in any emergency situations that might arise. Whilst the Defence Forces are not a Principal Response Agency, as defined in the Framework for Major Emergency Management, they will continue to provide the fullest possible assistance to the appropriate Lead Department in the event of a severe weather emergency in an Aid to the Civil Authority (ATCA) role under the multi-agency Framework.

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, for instance, during the severe weather situations in recent years.

The acquisition of new equipment for the Defence Forces, including equipment that can also be used for rendering aid to the Civil Authorities, is a matter that is kept under continuous review. The budgetary situation will dictate the level of funding available for new equipment and upgrades in that period and decisions will be made accordingly. The priority this year and in the coming years is on maintaining the capabilities for the Defence Forces to deliver effective services across all of the roles assigned by Government including the continuance of the practice of rendering aid to the Civil Authorities, as and when required.