Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 12 December 2012
25. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Defence the steps being taken by the Defence Forces to deal with the new threats posed by dissident republicans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54645/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraPrimary responsibility for the maintenance of law and order, including the protection of the internal security of the State, rests with An Garda Síochána. However, one of the roles assigned to the Defence Forces in the White Paper on Defence (2000) is to provide Aid to the Civil Power (ATCP) which, in practice, means to assist An Garda Síochána when requested to do so. A wide variety of military training activities are specifically designed to counter or respond to possible security emergencies. The Defence Forces hold regular coordination and liaison meetings with An Garda Síochána in relation to ATCP issues including identifying and responding effectively to any new or developing threats to internal and external State security. While exact details in relation to the threat posed by dissident republicans cannot be made public for operational reasons, the Defence Forces maintain a strong and focussed operational awareness and response capability to all emerging threats within the State.
