Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)
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Question 64: To ask the Minister for Defence if Defence Forces involvement in protection of the Houses of the Oireachtas has been reviewed in view of recent disturbances; the additional measures that will be taken to ensure that the workings of Dáil Éireann are not impacted upon by actions taken by those assembling outside the Houses of the Oireachtas. [23482/10]

Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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The Defence Forces are present in the Houses of the Oireachtas in Aid to the Civil Power (ATCP) and a Military Police detachment provides military support and security assistance to An Garda Síochána. A duty officer is on site on a twenty-four hour basis. These duties are performed in liaison with the Superintendent of the Houses of the Oireachtas. The Military Police detachment is not tasked with crowd control.

The Garda Síochána has primary responsibility for security both inside and outside the Houses of the Oireachtas and Government Buildings. As such, the question of any requirement for additional security would fall to the Garda in the first instance. No request for additional Defence Forces personnel to be deployed in the protection of the Houses of the Oireachtas has been received from the Garda.