Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It seems, unfortunately, that sometimes we do need to protect these aircraft because there are individuals intent on trying to damage them. An Garda Síochána has the primary responsibility for law and order, including internal security in the State. 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 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. This has been ongoing for quite some time.

There were 33 security deployments of the Defence Forces at Shannon Airport in June of this year, 24 in July and 32 in August. This is entirely in line with deployments in previous years. The length of each such deployment and the number of relevant aircraft that land and take off during each deployment can vary. For example, if a single aircraft is on the ground for an extended period, perhaps overnight or over a number of days, this would involve more than one deployment of troops, as each shift is generally of 12 hours' duration. The Defence Forces have no responsibility for searching aircraft that land at Shannon. This is our involvement.

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