Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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604. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which the Defence Forces are adequately equipped to deal with emergencies, in respect of which they might be called upon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17325/16]

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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My priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capacity of the Defence Forces, including the availability of specialised equipment, is maintained to the greatest extent possible to enable the Defence Forces to carry out their roles both at home and overseas. In accordance with the Framework for Major Emergency Management, primary responsibility for responding to emergencies caused by severe weather events, such as the storms and flooding, rests with the three designated principal response agencies, namely, the relevant Local Authority, An Garda Síochána, and the Health Service Executive. The Defence Forces 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 and that the command structure within the Defence Forces is compatible with the requirements in this area.

The full spectrum of Defence Forces personnel and equipment, commensurate with operational requirements, is available for deployments in response to emergency situations. The most important asset that the Defence Forces can provide is personnel, equipped with personal protective equipment, to operate during extreme weather events and with the capacity to support and sustain those personnel if deployed.

I am satisfied that the Defence Forces have the necessary resources available to them, including specialised equipment, to fulfil all roles assigned to them by Government including the provision of relevant assistance in emergency situations that may arise.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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605. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which the Defences Forces can be mobilised in the event of natural disasters, including flooding, given the preferability of early deployment and the need for the use of specified equipment in such situations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17326/16]

Enda Kenny (Mayo, 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.

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 Principle Response Agency in the event of a natural disaster or emergency situation in the Aid to the Civil Authority (ATCA) role.

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.

To facilitate support to the principle response agencies locally, 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.

I am satisfied that Defence Forces personnel have a modern and effective range of equipment to fulfil all roles that are assigned to them by Government.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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606. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which the Air Corps and the Naval Service continue to co-operate in air-sea rescue missions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17327/16]

Enda Kenny (Mayo, 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 and that they have the resources to carry out their operational commitments. I am satisfied that the Defence Forces, including the Air Corps and Naval Service, have the necessary resources to meet these commitments.

With reference to Search and Rescue, the Irish Coast Guard has overall responsibility for the provision of such services within the Irish search and rescue region. Both the Naval Service and the Air Corps provide support to the Irish Coast Guard in maritime Search and Rescue operations and a Service Level Agreement is in place setting out their roles and responsibilities in this regard.