John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 179: To ask the Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 159 of 18 June 2009, the amount it costs to provide members of the Defence Forces for ceremonial support to the Office of the President; the cost of such support in each of the years, 2004 to 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25464/09]

John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 180: To ask the Minister for Defence the number of members of the Defence Forces that are required for ceremonial duties each time the President leaves the country on a State visit to another country and the duties involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25465/09]

John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 181: To ask the Minister for Defence the number of members of the Defence Forces required for ceremonial duties each time the President returns to the country from a State visit to another country and the duties involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25466/09]

John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 182: To ask the Minister for Defence the number of members of the Defence Forces required for ceremonial duties involving the Office of the President each time an ambassador accredited to Ireland presents their credentials and the duties involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25467/09]

John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 183: To ask the Minister for Defence the number of members of the Defence Forces are required for ceremonial duties involving the Office of the President on the arrival and departure of Heads of State on state visits to Ireland and the duties involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25468/09]

John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 184: To ask the Minister for Defence the number of members of the Defence Forces required for ceremonial duties involving the Office of the President on the arrival and departure of Heads of Government on visits to Ireland and the duties involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25469/09]

John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 185: To ask the Minister for Defence the number of members of the Defence Forces required for ceremonial duties involving the Office of the President for guards of honour, escorts of honour and marshals; the required protocol on each of these ceremonial occasions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25470/09]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 179 to 185, inclusive, together.

The support given to the President in relation to the programme of State Travel (both visits abroad and incoming) and with the acceptance of the credentials of Ambassadors to Ireland is a matter for the Government. The President acts in these matters on the advice of the Government and the arrangements are made by Government. The arrangements are in accordance with the generally accepted practice internationally.

Part of the role of the Defence Forces is the provision of ceremonial support generally. As the personnel are drawn from the cadre of the Defence Forces, no additional costs arise which would not otherwise be incurred in the normal course with the exception of the transportation of troops to the ceremonial location. The costs of such transportation are not compiled separately by my Department.

I am satisfied that the appearance of Defence Forces personnel in these roles, in support of the President and at the annual commemorative and parade events, are a small but very important part of their duties.

The main Ceremonial support provided includes a Guard of Honour, a Band, an Escort and Marshals for events such as:-

Presentation of Credentials;

State Visits by Prime Ministers

State Visits by foreign Heads of State;

State Visits by President (inward/outward);

The following table sets out the number of personnel involved in each such event.