John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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Question 159: To ask the Minister for Defence the ceremonial functions and duties that members of the Defence Forces perform in conjunction with the Office of the President; and the amount these duties and functions cost the taxpayer each year. [24385/09]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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The Defence Forces provide ceremonial support to the Office of the President. Such support is given for occasions such as presentation of credentials by ambassadors accredited to Ireland, on arrival and departure by Heads of State on state visits and on arrival and departure by Heads of Government. The President of Ireland receives ceremonial honours when departing on and returning from state visits and on her attendance at the St. Patrick's day parade.

The element of ceremonial support provided to the Office of President includes, guards of honour, escorts of honour and marshals. Army bands provide the musical element of events. Officers of the Defence Forces are appointed as Aides de Camp. There are also Non-Commissioned Officers of the Military Police based at Áras an Uachtarán.