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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 7 and 25 together.

The primary responsibility for the maintenance of law and order rests with An Garda Síochána. The Defence Forces, pursuant to their role of rendering aid to the civil power, assist An Garda Síochána when requested to do so. The Defence Forces, in conjunction with An Garda Síochána, keep the threat level under continual review.

There has been no request from An Garda Síochána for additional assistance such as would warrant a general increase in the level of Defence Forces personnel deployed in the Border regions.

In my capacity as Minister for Justice and Equality, I assure the Deputies that resources will not be an issue and every effort is being made by An Garda Síochána to bring to justice the perpetrators of the most heinous crime that resulted in the very callous and barbaric murder of Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe. The Garda Síochána has not indicated that there is a need for an engagement by the Defence Forces in the manner the Deputy is suggesting and, ultimately, it is a matter for the Garda authorities.

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