Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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988. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which discussions continue to take place at EU level with a view to assuring a high degree of preparedness in the event of a terrorist attack; if the Defence Forces here continue to be adequately briefed in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27442/16]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Primary responsibility for security matters and the internal security of the State rests with the Department of Justice and Equality and An Garda Síochána. There is significant engagement on an ongoing basis with respect to international terrorism with other countries in the EU. Among the roles assigned to the Defence Forces in the White Paper on Defence is the provision of Aid to the Civil Power (ATCP) which, in practice, means to provide assistance and support to An Garda Síochána when requested to do so.  

There is ongoing and close liaison between An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces regarding security matters, including ATCP deployments and a wide variety of military training activities are specifically designed to counter or respond to possible security emergencies. Regular coordination and liaison meetings also take place between the Defence Forces and An Garda Síochána in relation to ATCP issues.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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989. To ask the Taoiseach and 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. [27443/16]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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My priority as Minister with Special Responsibility 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 a modern and effective range of equipment which is line with best international standards in order to fulfil all roles that are assigned to them by Government. This includes the provision of relevant assistance in response to any emergency situations that may arise.