The Department of Justice and Equality and An Garda Síochána have primary responsibility for the internal security of the State and in the event of a national security incident, An Garda Síochána would be the first responders. An Garda Síochána may request assistance from the Defence Forces in the context of Aid to the Civil Power (ATCP). Significant and continuous effort is put into ensuring that the Defence Forces remain up-to-date with regard to best national and international practice in terms of military thinking and practice and to ensure that the operational capacity of the Defence Forces is maintained to the greatest extent possible.
On the issue of training, considerable training expertise exists within the Defence Forces and this expertise is continually benchmarked against best international practice. Where the capability exists, relevant training is delivered in-house by highly trained and knowledgeable training instructors. Where appropriate, Defence Forces personnel are also sent on relevant external courses, both within Ireland and internationally.
Ireland participates in NATO Partnership for Peace (PfP) which has provided the Defence Forces with the opportunities to enhance their capabilities for peacekeeping and preventative and crisis management operations under UN mandates. Membership of the Partnership for Peace has allowed the Defence Forces to gain access to NATO standards – which are internationally recognised as representing best military practice. The scope of Ireland’s involvement is focused on enhancing interoperability and familiarity with operating procedures in a multinational environment and is but one means by which the Defence Forces liaise with other European Defence Forces on matters of mutual interest.
I am satisfied that the level of resources available to the Defence Forces, including access to equipment and modern technologies and training, enables the Defence Forces to carry out their numerous roles both at home and overseas, including any roles that are assigned to them by Government in any emergency situations that may arise in the role of Aid to the Civil Power.
