Written answers

Tuesday, 12 December 2017

Department of Defence

Defence Forces Training

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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571. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which the Defence Forces, Army, Naval Service and Air Corps continue to be equipped and trained to international standards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53183/17]

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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582. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he has satisfied himself that the Air Corps, Army and Naval Service have the ability to rapidly respond in the event of an emergency including a natural disaster or terrorist attack; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53194/17]

Photo of Paul KehoePaul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 571 and 582 together.

My priority as Minister with Responsibility for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Defence Forces is maintained to the greatest extent possible to enable the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service to carry out their roles as assigned by Government.

The acquisition of new equipment for the Defence Forces remains a clear focus for me. Future equipment priorities for the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service are being considered in the context of the lifetime of the White Paper on Defence as part of the capability development and equipment planning priorities planning process.

The primary function of training and education in the Defence Forces is to develop and maintain the necessary capabilities. The Defence Forces deliver military training programmes and modules meeting national and international standards. They also engage with external educational institutions in order to facilitate organisational learning. This engagement with national and international educational institutions, military and civilian, aims to ensure that the Defence Forces retain currency with regards to best international practice and employ all relevant modern training methods.

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.

In accordance with the Framework for Major Emergency Management, primary responsibility for responding to emergencies such as severe weather events or terrorist attacks 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 and Aid to the Civil Power roles.

Major Emergency Plans have been developed by local and regional authorities and these Plans identify the procedures for requesting assistance from the Defence Forces.

The Defence Forces retains a wide range of specialist skills and equipment, which can be deployed in such circumstances. The full spectrum of Defence Forces personnel and equipment are available for deployment in response to any emergencies that may arise. The Operations Directorate in Defence Forces Headquarters manages the necessary cross-service coordination in responding to requests for support. These arrangements have proved effective in all emergencies encountered to date.

I am committed to ensuring that the personnel of the Defence Forces continue to be equipped and trained to best international standards and I am satisfied that the assistance provided by the Defence Forces is provided in a co-ordinated way and that the tried and tested arrangements work well in response to emergencies.

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