I propose to take Questions Nos. 219 and 223 together.
My priority as Minister with Responsibility for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service, is maintained to the greatest extent possible so as to enable the Defence Forces to carry out their roles as assigned by Government.
As the Deputy will be aware, the
Defence Organisation provides a broad range of services in accordance with its primary security role while it also undertakes a diverse range of non-security-related tasks including supporting the Irish Coast Guard. With particular reference to Search and Rescue, since 2004 the Irish Coast Guard has overall responsibility for the provision of Search and Rescue services within the Irish search and rescue region. Both the Naval Service and the Air Corps continue to provide support to the Irish Coast Guard in maritime Search and Rescue operations on an “as available” basis in line with a Service Level Agreement which sets out their roles and responsibilities in this regard. The Defence Organisation will continue to provide air and sea support, as available, to the Irish Coast Guard in respect of Coast Guard search and rescue operations.
I am satisfied that the resources are available to the Defence Forces, to enable the fulfilment of all roles assigned by Government.