Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 November 2015
76. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Defence the level of engagement he has had with stakeholders, including at European level, regarding defence and security procedures, given the increased threat following the appalling and reprehensible events in France; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41183/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, primary responsibility for the security of the State lies with An Garda Síochána and in the event of any terrorist attack, the Gardaí would have primary responsibility, with support provided by the Defence Forces. I am regularly in touch with my EU colleagues both in the context of European Defence and Security and other matters. In addition to bilateral contacts, two meetings of EU Defence Minister’s are held during each six month EU Presidency. I attended the meeting of Foreign Affairs and Defence Ministers, which took place in Brussels on 17th November 2015. Discussions at the meeting covered a wide range of European Defence and Security issues and associated challenges.
Following the recent appalling events in France, I extended my condolences to the French Defence Minister and the French people, and pledged Ireland’s support for France at this difficult time. I stated that Ireland will support France in any way it can and will engage with France on a bilateral basis as to how Ireland might be of further assistance.
We are engaging with the French Authorities and I expect that the framework within which the request for aid and assistance, military and otherwise, will be clarified in the coming days. I will report to Government in due course on the potential Defence Forces contribution to address the areas for aid and assistance specified by the French authorities.
I am also kept fully appraised of issues arising from meetings which officials from my Department and the Defence Forces attend in the area of European Defence and Security. As with the formulation of any policy, best practice and lessons learnt in other jurisdictions will always inform EU policy formulation to ensure that it is robust, coherent and meets the needs of member States.
