asked the Minister for Defence if it is Government policy to ensure that specialist corps within the Defence Forces are trained and equipped to deal with all emergencies in relation to breakdown or disruption in essential public services.

While it is not the function of the Defence Forces to maintain essential public services, their personnel have, on occasions, been made available to assist in the maintenance of such services. Their training and equipment have proved adequate for the tasks assigned to them.

I asked the Minister whether it was Government policy to ensure that, in the event of a breakdown or disruption in essential public services, the Defence Forces would be trained and equipped to maintain these services.

That is not a military role. They are trained as security forces and not for the purpose the Deputy is suggesting. There is no question of any policy decision having been made now or in the past that they should be trained in the manner suggested by the Deputy and used for the purpose implied in the Deputy's question.

Has the Minister any view about the wisdom or otherwise of such a suggestion to ensure that the country could not be brought to a total economic and social standstill because we were not able to maintain these essential public services?

That is a separate question.

It is germane to this question and it is important. I have the answer I need.