Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein)
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122. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if consideration was given to calling in the Defence Forces in the aftermath of storm Éowyn; if the Defence Forces are trained for this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4735/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will appreciate the Defence Forces are not a primary response agency for non-security related emergencies. However, where requested the Defence Forces provides the fullest possible assistance to the appropriate Lead Department in the event of a natural disaster or emergency situation in its Aid to Civil Authority (ATCA) role. With regards to Storm Éowyn, the Defence Forces received and accommodated requests for assistance under the GTF mechanisms from a number of agencies, and provided assistance ranging from air patrols of electricity lines by the Air Corps, readiness to support to the National Ambulance Service, accommodation for prison staff during the red warning phase, provision and transportation of equipment and supplies, notably generators to affected areas.