Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 November 2004
85 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Defence the steps being taken to protect the State from terrorist attack in view of the heightened international risk of terrorism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28776/04]
View answer108 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Defence the most recent precautions he has taken to upgrade security measures to protect the State against international terrorist attacks; his views on whether the terrorist threat against Europe is generally high and Ireland must therefore improve its security capabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28836/04]
View answer115 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Defence the Defence Force’s current capability to deal with chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear incidents either at home or abroad; his views on the opinion of the Army’s chief of staff that the development of such a capability should be foremost on the Defence Force’s agenda; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28824/04]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 85, 108 and 115 together.
The most important defence against any terrorist attacks is detection and prevention by the security forces. 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, the Defence Forces have contingency plans in place in relation to the provision of aid to the civil power, meaning in practice to assist, when requested, the Garda Síochána, and the provision of assistance to the civil authorities for a range of emergency situations.
A 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 2001. It included, inter alia, an update of the threat assessment; intensive contacts with other State agencies; 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 aid to the civil authorities were also reassessed. 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 its members in dealing with nuclear, biological or chemical, NBC, threats identified from time to time.
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.
