Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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211. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps receive training and equipment upgrades in line with best international practice, with particular reference to the need for a response in the event of a natural disaster or security threat; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34026/16]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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My priority as Minister with Responsibility for Defence is to ensure that the operational capacity of the Defence Forces, including the availability of specialised equipment and trained personnel, 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.

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.

The full spectrum of Defence Forces personnel and equipment, commensurate with operational requirements, is available for deployments in response to natural disasters and security threats. 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.

I am satisfied that the Defence Forces are fully equipped and trained in line with best international practice to fulfil all roles that are assigned to them by Government. This includes the provision of relevant assistance as required in the event of a natural disaster or security threat.