Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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312. To ask the Minister for Defence if he is satisfied regarding the ability of the Defence Forces to meet the challenge of any emergency that might arise of security of natural disaster nature; the degree to which the Army, Navy and Air Corps can meet the challenge of such situations; if the necessary telecommunications and logistical equipment is adequately available in the event of such situations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21553/13]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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My priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capacity of the Defence Forces is maintained to the greatest extent possible.The involvement of the Defence Forces in responding to emergencies or security issues arises from requests for assistance from An Garda Síochána in an Aid to the Civil Power (ATCP) role or from other agencies of the State in an Aid to Civil Authority (ATCA) role. In relation to security, primary responsibility for the maintenance of law and order rests with An Garda Síochána. However, one of the roles assigned to the Defence Forces in the White Paper on Defence (2000) is to provide ATCP which, in practice, means to assist An Garda Síochána when requested to do so. A wide variety of military training activities are specifically designed to counter or respond to possible security emergencies and the Defence Forces hold regular coordination and liaison meetings with An Garda Síochána in relation to ATCP issues.

In relation to ATCA, the Framework for Major Emergency Management sets out the structure for 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 and the Defence Forces respond within that Framework. Representation on the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning, by both my Department and the Defence Forces, also ensures the fullest coordination and cooperation in the event of an emergency.

The full spectrum of Defence Forces personnel and equipment, commensurate with operational requirements, is available for deployments in response to emergencies and crises. I am satisfied that Defence Forces personnel have the most modern and effective range of equipment, including telecommunications and logistical equipment, needed to fulfil all roles that are assigned to them by Government in any emergency situations that may arise.