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

An Garda Síochána has the 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 to 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.

On 24 April 2014, a request for Defence Forces support was received from An Garda Síochána and troops were deployed. The Defence Forces have no information in regard to extra fuel tanks on the aircraft.

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