Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 May 2005
36 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Defence if he has satisfied himself with the Defence Forces’s capability to deal with any threat to Ireland that may exist from international terrorists; if he has held any discussions with the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and the intelligence services on the level of threat that currently exists to Ireland from international terrorism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17616/05]
Amharc ar fhreagra161 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the number of Permanent Defence Forces on constant alert in the event of a security breach or terrorist attack; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17742/05]
Amharc ar fhreagra162 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps are individually and collectively adequately prepared and trained to meet eventualities in the event of a terrorist attack; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17743/05]
Amharc ar fhreagra163 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the estimated length of time to put Defence Forces into action in the event of a terrorist attack in respect of the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17744/05]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 36, 161, 162 and 163 together.
The most important defence against any terrorist attack is detection and prevention by the security forces. While the Garda Síochána has the primary responsibility for law and order, one of the roles assigned to the Defence Forces is the provision of aid to the civil power, meaning in practice to assist, when requested, the Garda Síochána. The various components of the Defence Forces are active in this regard, providing such assistance as is appropriate in specific circumstances.
The level of any terrorist threat to Ireland is continually assessed. The advice available to me would suggest that while the terrorist threat to parts of Europe is currently high, in relation to Ireland, it is low. However, it is prudent that we take precautions and keep matters under continuous review.
The Defence Forces make contingency plans for a range of scenarios where the State may be at risk. An urgent and detailed review to deal with a range of emergency situations was undertaken by the military authorities following the events of 11 September 2001. It included, inter alia, an update of the threat assessment, intensive contacts with other State agencies, a reassessment of operations orders relating to vital installations, alert systems, the Army Ranger wing, ordnance and engineer aspects in terms of explosive ordnance disposal and specialist search and a review of equipment including the need for air defence. All matters arising were addressed and all procedures updated as required. However, it is not possible to expand on the operational details of such plans.
The capacity of the Defence Forces to deal with major emergencies is kept under constant review. Plans and procedures are updated as necessary and such additional equipment as is required to address any perceived deficiencies is acquired on the basis of identified priorities. Training and preparation for such events is also provided for in the Defence Forces annual training plan.
The most important defence against any attack is of course external vigilance, detection and prevention by the security forces. All the necessary resources of the Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces are deployed to this end.
