Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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215. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which specialist skills in dealing with security threats remain available to the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15705/17]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Providing for the military defence of the State’s territory is a fundamental security requirement and responsibility for this is vested specifically in the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces. The defence contribution to security also encompasses defence inputs to domestic security (Aid to the Civil Power (ATCP)) in support of An Garda Síochána, who have primary responsibility for the maintenance of law and order including the protection of the internal security of the State.

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.

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 deployment in response to security threats. In this regard, the Defence Forces hold a wide range of engineering, transport plant and equipment for military purposes along with niche capabilities.

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 security threat.