Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Defence his policy and that of the Defence Forces for the attendance of the Sliabh na mBan at community events and a list of events that the Sliabh na mBan has been in attendance at since its refurbishment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41872/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Sliabh na mBan is a historical artifact of great importance to the Defence Forces and to the Irish Nation as a whole. As such, many organisations request the attendance of this vehicle at various events throughout the country. Because of its importance, it is necessary to strike a balance between making the vehicle available to the public on appropriate occasions, and ensuring that it is properly maintained and preserved. When requests for the vehicle’s attendance at community events are received, my Department, following consultation with the Military, will determine whether the application can, or cannot be acceded to and will advise the applicant accordingly. The following conditions are required as a minimum when evaluating these requests: The event is for a charitable or non profit cultural or community purpose; The event is of regional or national importance; The location / site is acceptable; The attendance of the vehicle at the event would be in the public interest.

The availability of Military equipment and personnel, and the costs involved in transporting and securing the artifact when it is away also have to be considered when deliberating on a request. In that context, it should be noted that the vehicle must travel with a Military party for transport and security reasons and the Military must remain present for the duration of the event. The personnel involved have other Military duties which may take precedence over the display of the vehicle. A list is provided below of the events where Sliabh na mBan has been on display following the completion of its extensive refurbishment in February, 2012 .

I am aware that my Department and the Military are currently drawing up proposals for Sliabh na mBan to be placed on public display for certain periods in the Curragh Museum. This would provide an opportunity to members of the public to view this artifact with a minimum risk to its maintenance and preservation and at a low cost to the Defence Forces: 6th May – Vintage Motor Show – Clonmel; 3rd June –Vintage Motor Show – Longford; 15th August – Commemorative Coin Launch in Collins Barracks, Cork; 18th/19th August – Beal na mBlath Commemoration; 8th September – Newbridge 200 Celebrations.

Sliabh na mBan was also on display in military barracks at a number of official/military occasions and commemorations.

Following prior arrangement, visitors also viewed the vehicle in the Curragh Camp.