Abigail Blanche

Overview of the Roles of the Irish Defence Forces The Irish Defence Forces are responsible for protecting the State, supporting civil authorities and contributing to international peace and security. Their core roles include • Defending the State against armed aggression and protecting Ireland's sovereignty, territorial integrity, airspace and maritime domain. • Supporting the Civil Power (ATCP) by assisting An Garda Síochána in maintaining law and order, protecting critical infrastructure and responding to national security threats when requested. • Participating in international peace support, crisis management and humanitarian operations, primarily under the mandate of the United Nations, while also supporting EU-led and other internationally authorised missions. • Protecting Ireland's maritime resources, including carrying out fishery protection and maritime security operations in line with Ireland's EU obligations. • Providing aid to the civil authorities (ATCA) during emergencies such as severe weather, flooding, wildfires, pandemics and other national crises. • Delivering specialist support services, including search and rescue support, air ambulance and medical evacuation, explosive ordnance disposal (EOD), bomb disposal, Ministerial air transport and assistance in combating marine pollution. • Supporting cybersecurity, intelligence and emerging security capabilities, contributing to the protection of Ireland from evolving threats in the cyber and hybrid domains. • Maintaining readiness to respond to national emergencies, major incidents and other tasks assigned by the Government in support of the public interest. Together, these roles ensure that the Defence Forces provide military defence, support national resilience, assist civil authorities and contribute to international peace and stability while reflecting Ireland's policy of military neutrality.