Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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78. To ask the Minister for Defence the extent to which the Defence Forces are given opportunities to upgrade their skills in line with military forces throughout Europe and globally, with particular reference to the need to combat international terrorism; if all possible steps continue to be taken in respect of training, access to state-of-the-art technology, rapid deployment, and mobility; if he remains satisfied that the Defence Forces here are adequately equipped to interact and interface with military forces elsewhere; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41160/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The Department of Justice and Equality and An Garda Síochána have primary responsibility for the internal security of the State and in the event of a terrorist incident, An Garda Síochána would be the first responders. An Garda Síochána may request assistance from the Defence Forces in the context of Aid to the Civil Power (ATCP). Significant and continuous effort is put into ensuring that the Defence Forces remain up-to-date with regard to best national and international practice in terms of military thinking and practice.

Significant training expertise exists within the Defence Forces and this expertise is continually benchmarked against best international practice. Where the capability exists, relevant training is delivered in-house by highly trained and knowledgeable training instructors.

Where appropriate, Defence Forces personnel are also sent on relevant external courses, both within Ireland and internationally. In this regard, Defence Forces personnel have attended courses run by armed forces in the United Kingdom, the USA, the Netherlands, Spain and Turkey, amongst others. These courses include topics such as anti-terrorism, Counter Improvised Explosive Devices (CIED) and Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN).

Ireland participates in NATO Partnership for Peace (PfP) which has provided the Defence Forces with the opportunities to enhance their capabilities for peacekeeping, preventative and crisis management operations under UN mandates. Membership of the Partnership for Peace has allowed the Defence Forces to gain access to NATO standards - which are internationally-recognised as representing best military practice. The scope of Ireland’s involvement is focused on enhancing interoperability and familiarity with operating procedures in a multi-national environment.

I am satisfied that the level of resources available to the Defence Forces, including access to training and up-to- date technology, enables the Defence Forces to carry out their numerous roles both at home and overseas, including any roles that are assigned to them by Government in any emergency situations that may arise in the role of Aid to the Civil Power.