Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent)
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130. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of official State visits his Department has been involved with for each of the past four years; the costs associated with same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15600/18]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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One of the roles assigned to the Defence Forces in the White Paper for Defence is the provision of ceremonial support. The Defence Forces were required to provide ceremonial support for five official State visits in the past four years.

There are no additional costs arising which would not otherwise be incurred by the Defence Forces in support of their role.

I am satisfied that the attendance of Defence Forces personnel at State visits in support of the President is an important part of their duties.