Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 38: To ask the Minister for Defence his views on constructing a permanent guard room structure at Portlaoise Hospital, County Laois, as the conditions under which hospital guards operate are unacceptable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32330/06]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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The Garda Síochána have the primary responsibility for law and order, including the protection of the internal security of the State. Among the roles assigned to the Defence Forces is the provision of aid to the civil power (meaning in practice to assist, when requested, an Garda Síochána), which duties include the protection and guarding of vital installations, the provision of certain security escorts etc.

On occasion the Defence Forces are requested to provide assistance to the Garda Síochána when prisoners from Portlaoise are attending the Portlaoise Hospital. This mission is achieved by means of mobile and foot patrols, providing a very visible and identifiable presence outside the hospital.

The manner in which escorts are conducted and where guards are placed on hospitals at which prisoners from Portlaoise Prison are attending, has been under review for some time. I am informed by the military authorities that the construction of a permanent guardroom at Portlaoise hospital is not considered a military requirement at this time.