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Defence Forces Strength.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 June 2004

Wednesday, 16 June 2004

Questions (58)

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

93 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if the Defence Forces have adequate resources including intelligence, technology and military capability to combat a terrorist attack; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17862/04]

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Written answers

The Garda Síochána has primary responsibility for law and order, including the protection of the internal security of the State. The potential threats to the State arising from international terrorism are continuously monitored by them in co-operation with the Defence Forces. The advice available to me at this time is, that, while the Garda authorities recognise that the terrorist threat to Europe may currently be high, in relation to Ireland it is low. Notwithstanding this, it is important that all prudent precautions are taken and that matters are kept under continuous review.

The Defence Forces make contingency plans for a range of scenarios where the security of the State may be at risk. In addition, they have contingency plans in place as regards the provision of aid to the civil power — meaning in practice, to assist, when requested, an Garda Síochána — and the provision of assistance to the civil authorities in a range of emergency situations.

An urgent and detailed review of capacities and procedures to deal with a range of emergency situations was undertaken by the military authorities following on from the events of 11 September. It included, inter alia, an up-date of the threat assessment; intensive contacts with other State agencies; and a reassessment of operations orders relating to vital installations, alert systems, the Army ranger wing, ordnance and engineer assets in terms of explosive ordnance disposal and specialist search and a review of equipment including the need for air defence. Guidance documents pertaining to aid to the civil power and to the civil authorities were also re-assessed. All matters arising were addressed and all procedures updated as required.

The capacity of the Defence Forces to deal with major emergencies is kept under constant review. Plans and procedures are updated as necessary and such additional equipment as is required to address any perceived deficiencies is acquired on the basis of identified priorities. Training and preparation for such events is also provided for in the Defence Forces annual training plan. The Defence Forces have available to them equipment for monitoring and protecting members in dealing with nuclear, biological or chemical, NBC, threats identified from time to time.

The requirement for additional NBC equipment is kept under continuous review by the director of operations and the director of ordnance. 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 that meets their current requirements. In particular, a total of 8,000 new NBC suits have been acquired. In addition, the Defence Forces have sufficient stock of respirators for each individual soldier. They also have 98 of the most technologically up to date chemical agent monitors and Defence Forces personnel are being trained in their operation. Other equipment on hands includes biological agent detectors and screening kits as well as group decontamination and personal decontamination equipment. The most important defence against any attack is of course external vigilance, detection and prevention by the security forces. All the necessary resources of the Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces are deployed to this end.

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