Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I do. I asked a few questions earlier, but I have very specific ones on the briefing note we received. Does the SOFA, which was signed last week, despite our opposition, cover participation in the four search events which it is expected will be conducted annually by participating member states? An Garda Síochána is mentioned in respect of units co-operating with the Defence Forces when carrying out the high profile specialist search function during high profile visits by foreign VIPs. Are gardaí going to be trained by the personnel who have been, or who will be, sent on the six-year training course?

The cost is minuscule if one takes it some ways. The note suggests that it will be €157,500, including €102,500 in contributions-in-kind, and that the net financial cost of Ireland's contribution will be €55,000. Is that per year or is it for the entire six years? If it is the former, it is €10,000. I find it difficult to understand how one would host an international seminar and send soldiers on four training events at a cost of €10,000. How many personnel will be trained over the six years? Will it be the same personnel and is the Minister of State adamant that tying those personnel up on these courses will not take from current or recommended EOD capacity in the State? I do not refer to the overseas responsibilities because there are two ESSC units overseas.

Another question arises from that but it is not answered in the briefing note. It seems to be suggested rather than guaranteed. The briefing note states that the Defence Forces' corps of engineers do not have ESSC teams at an advanced search capability level. One of the things the USA, the British and the Pope seemed happy enough with was the level the Army had. Why are members getting trained to a level which is not required to have a US President, the Pope or the English Queen coming to our shores? They were happy enough. Did the State have to rely on a foreign army to train or dictate how searches were carried out in advance of those visits? Given that this is an advanced search capability on the conduct of hazardous environmental searches, working in confined spaces and operating in chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear environments, what additional equipment will be required to be purchased by the Defence Forces in future to ensure they carry out these searches independently of the other nations? Will it be part of the interoperability of these searches that we will have to import or purchase equipment from either the European Defence Agency or other armed forces?