Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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297. To ask the Minister for Defence the extent to which military intelligence can be enhanced to deal with potential terrorist attacks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41776/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The Defence Forces Intelligence Branch provides regular assessments, reports and briefings to the Chief of Staff, the Minister for Defence and the Secretary General of the Department of Defence, relating to possible threats to the security of the State.

Intelligence led liaison is conducted between Intelligence Branch and appropriate national authorities in other countries to counter any threat to the security of the State. The Intelligence Branch also maintains a very close and effective working relationship with their counterparts in An Garda Síochána.

Whilst I am satisfied that the Intelligence Branch has the resources required to carry out its role, it would not be appropriate to make any further comment in relation to this matter.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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300. To ask the Minister for Defence the extent to which adequate detection facilities are available to the Defence Forces to combat the possible use of ground-to-air weapons by terrorists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41779/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Primary responsibility for the internal security of the State rests with the Department of Justice and Equality and An Garda Síochána. Amongst the roles assigned to the Defence Forces is the provision of aid to the civil power, meaning in practice to assist An Garda Síochána when requested to do so.

I am satisfied that the Defence Forces is adequately resourced and equipped to deal with any requests for support received from An Garda Síochána and to fulfil any security roles that may be assigned by Government.