Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 516: To ask the Minister for Defence the cost to the Exchequer to date as a result of the requirement to have a military presence at Shannon Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37530/06]

Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 517: To ask the Minister for Defence the number of Defence Force personnel that are on duty at Shannon Airport since security was enhanced there; the numbers required to facilitate this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37532/06]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 516 and 517 together.

An 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.

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. It would not be appropriate for me, for reasons of security, to indicate the number of Defence Forces personnel involved in such operations. However, the estimated costs to the Defence Forces for personnel on security duty at Shannon Airport for the years in question are outlined in the following table. These costs are met from within the Defence Vote.