I propose to take Questions Nos. 6, 58 and 59 together.
The Defence Forces have available to them equipment for monitoring and protecting its members in dealing with nuclear, biological or chemical threats identified from time to time. The requirement for additional NBC equipment is kept under continuous review by the Ordnance Corps. A programme for the purchase of NBC equipment is ongoing and whatever equipment deemed necessary is purchased expeditiously to meet the changing requirements.
The Defence Forces hold an extensive range of modern NBC equipment which meets their current requirements. In particular, 7,000 new NBC suits have been acquired. In addition, the Defence Forces have sufficient stocks of respirators for each individual soldier. They also have 98 of the most technologically up-to-date chemical agent monitors and Defence Forces personnel have been trained in their operation. Other equipment on hand includes biological agent detector and screening kits, group decontamination equipment and personal decontamination equipment.
The Garda Síochána has the primary responsibility for law and order, including the protection of the internal security of the State. Among the roles assigned to the Defence Forces is the provision of aid to the civil power – assisting the Garda Síochána – which includes the protection and guarding of vital installations and the provision of certain security escorts.
Consultation on roles and requirements for the EU Presidency is currently ongoing between the Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces, who will render such assistance as may be appropriate. Obviously the security of key EU Presidency meetings is important and it would be inappropriate for me to indicate the nature and extent of any roles which the Defence Forces may undertake.
The most important defence against an attack is external vigilance, detection and prevention by the security forces. All the necessary resources of the Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces are being deployed to this end.