Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The delivery of a policing service is the statutory responsibility of the Garda Síochána and I have full confidence in its capacity to deliver that service efficiently and effectively. Where necessary, the Garda Síochána is assisted in carrying out certain specific duties by members of the Defence Forces in fulfilment of the role assigned to the Defence Forces to provide aid for the civil power. Pursuant to this role, the Defence Forces have several explosive ordnance disposal teams on call, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to respond to requests received from the Garda Síochána for assistance in dealing with a suspect device or the removal of old ordnance. In addition, the Defence Forces provide assistance for the Garda Síochána in the operation of the Garda air support unit, the secure transport of cash throughout the State, the escort of prisoners and a range of other security duties. Outside of these areas of aid to the civil power, the distinction between the policing function of the Garda Síochána and the military function of the Defence Forces is an important one. Accordingly, I have no proposals for secondments along the lines referred to by the Deputy.

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