Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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216. 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 preparedness in the event of a terrorist attack; if the Defence Forces continue to be adequately briefed in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44249/17]

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.