Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent)
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31. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the cost of the Defence Forces at Shannon airport, in relation to protection given to civilian troop carriers and military planes of the United States of America and any other foreign military, for the year 2016 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33814/16]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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The Department of Justice and Equality and An Garda Síochána have primary responsibility for the internal security of the State. Among the roles assigned to the Defence Forces in the White Paper on Defence is the provision of Aid to the Civil Power (ATCP) which, in practice, means to assist An Garda Síochána when requested to do so.

Since 5 ^thFebruary 2003, the Gardaí have requested support from the Defence Forces at Shannon Airport as required. The cost incurred by the Defence Forces, in relation to protection given to civilian troop carriers and military planes of the United States of America and those of any other foreign military at Shannon Airport, for the year 2016 to date is €153,970.09.

I am satisfied that there is ongoing and close liaison between both An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces, and between my Department and the Department of Justice and Equality regarding security matters generally, including the Defence Forces ATCP roles.