40. Deputy John Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will outline any occasion during or in the aftermath of Storm Éowyn when the Defence Forces were asked to aid the civil authorities or the civil power, as per their remit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5787/25]

Sentiment score: 0.08

I thank the Tánaiste for his answer to this point. I recognise in his response that he has outlined the challenge Storm Éowyn brought to certain parts of the country. However we like to present it and would contest this position, though, there is a perception in some constituencies, particularly on the western seaboard and midlands and Border area that had the impact of Storm Éowyn been felt in other parts of the country, or had the lack of services as a result of the storm been suffered in other parts of the country, the response might have been greater. I recognise that might be contested but among the most commonly occurring questions I get in parts of the country that are still affected by the lack of communications and communication breakdown was whether the Defence Force could have played a greater role in the restoration operation. I acknowledge the Tánaiste has outlined a number of places where the Defence Force actively participated, but I concur with my colleague, Deputy Daly, that maybe the Defence Forces could have been more relevantly used regarding the homes of people.

Sentiment score: 0.29

I thank the Tánaiste for his response. It is clear from his response that he recognises the necessity of the review and how in-depth it needs to be. The Tánaiste also has a clear understanding of the suffering people endured. In terms of the range of skills that is available to the Defence Forces, one area that comes to mind is medical and support skills for people who are medically vulnerable. There certainly is a sense in certain locations, when there was no power, that medical assistance was needed or would have been required and the Defence Forces might have been in a position to provide that. The Tánaiste put his finger on it when he said that the Defence Forces came to the aid of the civic authorities in all places where it was requested to do so. However, some agencies might be unclear of when that request can be made. The Commission on the Defence Forces report proposes that there should be "Clear inter-agency policies and planning for the deployment of the Defence Forces". We could incorporate that into the review of Storm Éowyn and how we can use that recommendation going forward.

Sentiment score: 0.19