Defence Forces Deployment

Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 11 September 2017

Monday, 11 September 2017

Questions (2111)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

2111. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if the deployment of the Defence Forces to aid flood relief efforts in County Donegal was delayed by up to six hours due to a dispute between his Department and the local authority over the issuing public indemnity insurance. [37941/17]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

Following the recent flooding in Donegal the Defence Forces were deployed to provided Aid to the Civil Authority (ATCA) assistance to Donegal County Council on foot of a request from the Council.

I can confirm that the issue of insurance cover for the Defence Forces did not arise in relation to this deployment. The Defence Forces are indemnified by the State Claims Agency when deployed in their role of ATCA.