Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Department of Justice and Equality and An Garda Síochána have primary responsibility for the internal security of the State. Among the roles assigned to the Defence Forces in the White Paper on Defence is the provision of aid to the civil power, which in practice means to assist An Garda Síochána when requested to do so. On each occasion that the support of the Defence Forces is required, An Garda Síochána issues a C70 form to the Defence Forces to request their assistance.

Since 5 February 2003, the Garda has requested support from the Defence Forces at Shannon Airport on occasion. The cost of the presence of Defence Forces performing aid-to-the-civil-power duties at Shannon Airport in 2018 was €180,532.93. The cost relates to security duty allowances paid to members of the Defence Forces, rations and fuels. The cost of aid-to-the-civil-power operations is met entirely from the defence Vote.

I am satisfied that there is ongoing and close liaison between both An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces and between my Department and the Department of Justice and Equality regarding security matters generally, including the Defence Forces aid-to-the-civil-power roles.

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