Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 March 2018
108. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if the Army Rangers participated in the recent anti-terrorist exercise at Shannon; and if not, if the Army Ranger Wing is being maintained in order to provide support for European projects such as battle groups rather than anti-terrorist operations within Ireland. [14413/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe White Paper on Defence, published in the Autumn of 2015, considered the security environment including the threat from international terrorism. It notes that the Department of Justice and Equality and An Garda Síochána have primary responsibility for protecting the internal security of the State. The Defence Forces provide, on request, supports in aid to the civil power (ATCP) of an on-going and contingent nature.
The security environment is kept under constant review. An Garda Síochána can request a broad range of supports from the Defence Forces including the Army Ranger Wing and, in this context, the Army Ranger Wing is trained and equipped to undertake a range of specialist roles. Joint exercises are carried out in order to enhance support and ensure effective interoperability. Details with regard to the precise training of the Army Ranger Wing and their participation in exercises are not released into the public domain for security and operational reasons.
The exercise in Shannon was led by An Garda Síochána in conjunction with the Department of Justice. The Defence Forces provided assistance, as requested by An Garda Síochána, in support of the exercise.
In compliance with Government policy, the Defence Forces continue to retain a range of flexible conventional military capabilities, including Special Operations Forces, in order to meet the roles assigned and as a hedge to future uncertainty.
The Defence Forces Special Operation Force, the Army Ranger Wing, stands ready to meet all assigned roles whether in ATCP or on Government direction.
