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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 131 and 138 together.

An Garda Síochána has primary responsibility for law and order, including the protection of the internal security of the State. Among the roles assigned to the Defence Forces is the provision of aid for the civil power, ATCP, which, in practice, means to assist An Garda Síochána when requested to do so. There is ongoing and close liaison between An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces regarding security matters. The Defence Forces have deployed personnel to Shannon Airport in response to requests for support from An Garda Síochána since 5 February 2003.

In respect of the dates of 22 February and 2 March 2014, requests for Defence Forces support were received from An Garda Síochána. With regard to inspections of aircraft, the Defence Forces have no responsibility for searching US military aircraft that land at Shannon Airport.

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