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

We have debated this issue before. 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. The Garda has requested ATCP support from the Defence Forces at Shannon Airport since 2003. To date in 2015 there have been 47 deployments at a cost of €24,116, which includes security duty allowance, rations and fuel. Such requests are operational matters for An Garda Síochána. Accordingly, security assessments and decisions to seek support from the Defence Forces are matters for An Garda Síochána.

I am satisfied with the existing arrangements and have no plans to recommend a more active role for the Defence Forces.

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