Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

As the Deputy may have heard me state earlier, I am of the view that the Defence Forces were outstanding during the past week. The ceremonial role they undertook in recent days in respect of both the dignity of the ceremonies that took place and the manner in which this country presented itself to the outside world was of substantial importance. I wish to provide the Deputy with every assurance that there is no issue of any description with regard to the Defence Forces continuing to play such a role. However, I do not wish to underestimate, in any shape or form, the important role the Defence Forces played in aid of the civil power, namely, the Garda, in dealing with security issues and in maintaining security at essential locations in advance of the arrival of both Queen Elizabeth ll and President Obama. I commend the Defence Forces on the action they took in respect of issues which arose during Queen's visit, in particular, when their members were called out on a variety of occasions to deal with hoax devices placed at different locations, hoax telephone calls and a small number of devices which may have posed a danger to the public. Defence Forces personnel dealt with the latter with extraordinary professionalism. For this, they deserve our congratulations.

See this speech in context