Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent)
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26. To ask the Minister for Defence in view of the increased movement of United States troops and arms into the region surrounding Ukraine and the Russian border, if he will consider authorising members of the Defence Forces to inspect US military aircraft transiting through Shannon Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20055/14]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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An Garda Síochána has 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 (ATCP) which, in practice, means to assist Garda Síochána when requested to do so. There is ongoing and close liaison between Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces regarding security matters. The Defence Forces have deployed personnel to Shannon Airport, in response to requests for support from An Garda Síochána, since 5 February 2003. With regard to the request for consideration of inspections of aircraft, the Defence Forces have no responsibility for searching US Military aircraft that land at Shannon.