Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 115: To ask the Minister for Defence the number of aid to the civil power operations the Air Corps have been involved in since 1 January 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17146/06]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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To aid the civil power (meaning in practice to assist, when requested, An Garda Síochána who have the primary responsibility for law and order, including the protection of the internal security of the State) is among the roles assigned to the Defence Forces. In this regard, the Defence Forces assist the Gardaí as required in duties, which include cash escorts, prison escorts and explosives escorts.

The Air Corps have completed three (3) Aid to Civil Power Missions since 1 January 2006. It is not the practice, for security reasons, to give details relating to these operations. In addition the Garda Air Support Unit provides a 24 hour, all year immediate response capability for air support within the State.