Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Among the roles assigned to the Defence Forces is the provision of aid to the civil power, which in practice means assisting An Garda Síochána where requested to do so. Security assessments are carried out by An Garda Síochána, which determines whether Defence Forces assistance is required. We only provide assistance. I am not sure what date the Deputy referred to with regard to searching aircraft. He should raise this issue with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, or the Department of Justice and Equality and the Minister, Deputy Frances Fitzgerald. As I stated the Department of Defence only assists An Garda Síochána at Shannon Airport.

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