Billy Timmins
Ceist:148 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Defence the roles of the Defence Forces; and when these roles were laid down by Government. [22915/98]
Written Answers. - Defence Forces Role.
The roles of the Defence Forces as approved by Government on 23 September 1993 are as follows: to defend the State against armed aggression; this being a contingency, preparation for its implementation will depend on ongoing Government assessment of threats; to aid the civil power — meaning in practice to assist, when requested, the Garda Síochána, who have primary responsibility for law and order, including the protection of the internal security of the State; to participate in United Nations missions in the cause of international peace; to provide a fishery protection service in accordance with the State's obligations as a member of the European Union; to carry out such other duties as may be assigned to them from time to time, e.g. search and rescue, air ambulance, ministerial air transport service, assistance in connection with the maintenance of essential services, dealing with oil pollution at sea.