Vol. 566 No. 3
205 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Defence the reason a request for assistance from the fire fighting service based at Finner Camp, County Donegal, to fight a major gorse fire in the Lower Rosses, County Donegal, on 18 and 19 April was refused; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12749/03]
It is Defence Forces policy to assist the civil power in so far as possible when requested. Regrettably, the Defence Forces were not in a position to assist on this occasion. This was due to a lack of trained personnel on duty and appropriate equipment on the day.
The crash rescue team based at Finner Camp, County Donegal is stationed there for the purpose of assisting in aviation emergencies. It could not be released from this duty without appropriate back-up cover being provided.
