62 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Defence the number of requests received by the Defence Forces for assistance from civil authorities during the current cold spell; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47276/10]

During the severe weather period, the Defence Forces conducted 708 operations and acceded to all requests for assistance from An Garda Síochána, the Health Service Executive, Local Authorities and other bodies such as the Blood Bank, St. Vincent de Paul, the Hospice Movement and Meals on Wheels. All operations in support of Aid to the Civil Authority ended on 13 December, 2010.