Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 7 July 2010
71 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Defence, in view of the severe winter weather conditions in 2009-2010, his plans to review the resources and equipment available to the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29792/10]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn accordance with the Framework for Major Emergency Management, the Defence Forces in their role as aid to the civil power (an Garda Síochána) and aid to the civil authorities (i.e. local authorities, HSE, etc.) can be called upon to provide support to locally based services. During the period of severe weather conditions earlier this year all assets, resources and capabilities of the Defence Forces throughout the country were made available to assist the civil authorities where and when called upon.
During that period the Defence Forces met all requests for assistance, received from the civil authorities, from within their existing capacity and resources. The provision of Defence Forces capabilities is dependent on the exigencies of the service and within available resources at the time. However, where additional forces are required in an emergency in any one particular area, the Defence Forces has the adaptability to marshal capability to meet the need. I am satisfied that the resources and equipment available to the Defence Forces are sufficient to allow them provided assistance to local authorities as and when requested.
72 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Defence the proposals, if any, he has regarding the procurement of a replacement vessel for Asgard II; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30156/10]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn the context of settling the Estimates for my Department for 2010, the Government decided that the national sail training scheme operated by Coiste an Asgard would be discontinued as recommended in the Report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure. As a result of that decision, the sum of €3.8m representing the insured value of Asgard II was transferred to the Department of Finance as Extra Exchequer Receipts and any plans to procure a replacement vessel have been shelved.
