37 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Defence the number of times the army bomb disposal unit has been called out in 2009 and to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46304/10]

The primary responsibility for the maintenance of law and order rests with An Garda Síochána. The Defence Forces, pursuant to their role of rendering aid to the civil power, assist the Gardaí as required. Requests for aid to the civil power are normally made by a member of An Garda Síochána not below the rank of Inspector. Requests made by An Garda Síochána for assistance in dealing with a suspect device or for the removal of old ordnance are responded to by the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Team in the relevant Brigade.

The details requested are set out in the following tabular statement.