Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 March 2024
139. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the extent to which the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps continues to receive specialist training to deal with emergencies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13440/24]
View answer145. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the extent to which the Defence Forces are adequately trained and available to deal with emergency situations that may arise either by way of natural disaster or terrorist threat; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13446/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 139 and 145 together.
My priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Defence Forces is maintained to enable the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service to carry out their roles as assigned by Government. At National level, representation on the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning by both the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces, ensures the fullest coordination and cooperation in the event of an emergency.
In accordance with the Framework for Major Emergency Management, primary responsibility for responding to emergencies such as severe weather events or terrorist attacks rests with the three designated principal response agencies, namely, the relevant Local Authority, An Garda Síochána, and the Health Service Executive. The Defence Forces provides assistance within means to the appropriate Lead Department or Principal Response Agency in the event of a natural disaster or an emergency situation in its Aid to the Civil Authority (ATCA) and Aid to the Civil Power (ATCP) roles.
In respect of security threats, responsibility for the internal security of the State rests with the Department of Justice and Equality and An Garda Síochána. There is on-going and close liaison between An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces regarding security matters, including ATCP deployments and includes military training activities which are specifically designed to respond to possible security emergencies.
Following the publication of the Commission on the Defence Forces Report in February 2022, implementation of the Commission's recommendations will result in significant increased investment in capability development over the coming years and is a demonstration of the Government’s strong commitment to support the transformation of the Defence Forces into a modern, agile military force, capable of responding to increasingly complex security challenges.
I am committed to ensuring that the personnel of the Defence Forces continue to be equipped and trained to best international standards and I can confirm that the Defence Forces keep their operational plans and response capabilities for dealing with a wide range of threats and emergencies under constant review.
