Written answers
Tuesday, 12 October 2004
Department of Defence
Defence Forces Operations
9:00 pm
Breeda Moynihan-Cronin (Kerry South, Labour)
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Question 40: To ask the Minister for Defence if it is anticipated that as a result of the Leeds Castle talks there will be a reduction in the number of Border operations undertaken by the Defence Forces; if there are plans to reduce the number of troops stationed close to the Border with Northern Ireland in general; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24191/04]
Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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The primary responsibility for internal security rests with the Garda SÃochána. The Defence Forces, pursuant to their role of rendering aid to the civil power, assist the Garda as required. Defence Forces Border operations are undertaken as aid to civil power, ATCP, requests. The Defence Forces also assist the Garda with prisoner escorts, cash escorts and explosives escorts.
The demands on the Defence Forces for Border duty depend on the nature of the requests for assistance received from the Garda at any particular time. Since the Good Friday Agreement, the level of demand for Defence Forces assistance to the Garda in the Border area has reduced significantly. However, there are no plans at present to reduce the number of Defence Forces personnel stationed in posts in the Border area.
The question of the level of demand on the Defence Forces in aid of the Garda in the Border area will be kept under review in my Department in consultation with the relevant Departments as well as with the Garda authorities.
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