Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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27. To ask the Minister for Defence if the reduction in the number of field engineer companies in the Defence Forces from three to two could hamper the fulfilment of core responsibilities in the assigned role of aid to the civil authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20045/14]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The primary roles of the Defence Forces Field Engineer Companies are to provide Combat Engineer support as part of an infantry brigade across all of the roles assigned by Government to the Defence Forces. The reorganisation of the Defence Forces in 2012 resulted in the reduction from three to two Infantry Brigades, with a consequential reduction from three to two Field Engineer Companies. The new Field Engineer Companies are larger than before, have increased proportions of technical personnel and are better equipped. These changes have mitigated the overall reduction in the number of Companies. Accordingly, I am satisfied that the current size and structure of the Field Engineer Companies is sufficient to fulfill all roles and responsibilities assigned to them.