Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

We agree that we need an honest debate on it. Recently in reply to a question the Minister stated, "When deployed in an ATCP role, Defence Forces personnel remain under the operational command of a Defence Forces officer at all times." He has said this again today. In the response he also stated, "For security and operational reasons, it is not considered appropriate to make any further comment in relation to how such operations are conducted." Does this mean that he believes there are security risks associated with defending US military aircraft at Shannon Airport? If so, are members of the security forces made aware of the risks involved in defending these military aircraft?

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