Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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Question 68: To ask the Minister for Defence if Irish troops are deployed to protect Shannon Airport; if so, the number deployed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23731/06]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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The roles of the Defence Forces, as assigned by Government, are set out in the White Paper on Defence which was published in February 2000. 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 assigned roles. The Defence Forces, pursuant to their role of rendering aid to the civil power, assist the Gardaí as required in duties which include the protection and guarding of vital installations.

The Gardaí, who undertake threat assessments for Shannon Airport on an ongoing basis, requested the Defence Forces to provide assistance in securing the Airport. Such assistance has been rendered by the Defence Forces since 5 February, 2003, and liaison between the Gardaí and the Defence Forces in this regard is continuing. The Deputy will appreciate that it would not be appropriate for me, for reasons of security, to indicate the number of Defence Forces personnel involved in such operations.