Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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519. To ask the Minister for Defence the degree to which he remains satisfied regarding the ability of the Defence Forces to respond to any emergency that might arise; if the quality and extent of the military equipment available remains in line with best international standards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22400/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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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.

In relation to non-security related emergencies, 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 emergency situation in its Aid to the Civil Authority (ATCA) role.

At National level, representation on the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning, by both the Department of Defence 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 full spectrum of Defence Forces personnel and equipment, commensurate with operational requirements, is available for deployments in response to emergencies and natural disasters. In this regard, the Defence Forces hold a wide range of engineering and transport plant and equipment for military purposes. All such plant and equipment suitable for use in emergency situations is made available as the need arises.

In relation to the Naval Service, all vessels in addition to their fishery protection role undertake general surveillance, security, pollution monitoring, and Search and Rescue in support to the Irish Coast Guard. These activities assist in detecting and preventing emergency situations throughout Ireland’s maritime jurisdiction.

The role of the Air Corps includes the provision of an emergency inter-hospital Air Ambulance Service in support of the HSE. It also supports the HSE in a pilot emergency aero medical support service operating primarily in the West of Ireland. The Air Corps also has a maritime surveillance function undertaken by its maritime patrol aircraft and both it and the Naval Service provide support to the Irish Coast Guard in maritime Search and Rescue operations.

I am satisfied that Defence Forces personnel have a modern and effective range of equipment, which is in line with best international standards, as required to fulfil all roles that are assigned to them by Government.