Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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155. 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 for 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. [5980/14]

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. Primary responsibility for the maintenance of law and order including the protection of the internal security of the State 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 Aid to the Civil Power (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.

Whilst the Defence Forces are not a Principal Response Agency, as defined in the Framework for Major Emergency Management, they provide the fullest possible assistance to the appropriate Lead Department in the event of a natural disaster or severe weather emergency in its Aid to the Civil Authority (ATCA) role under the multi-agency Framework. At National level, representation on the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning, by both my Department and the Defence Forces ensures the fullest coordination and cooperation in the event of an emergency. The Defence Forces are also represented on the eight Regional Working Groups that have been established under the Framework and, on an ongoing basis, designated members of the Defence Forces, based around the country, act as Liaison Officers to Local Authorities. The effectiveness of these arrangements was demonstrated positively in recent days when, at the request of the local authority, the Defence Forces were deployed in Limerick where they assisted with the evacuation of flooded homes, the distribution of supplies, and the filling and distribution of sandbags.

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.