asked the Minister for Defence the total involvement of both the Defence Forces and the Garda Síochána in the recent show of strength; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Defence Forces Exercise.
27.
I understand that the question relates to the recent exercise by units of the Defence Forces in Counties Cavan, Monaghan, Louth and Meath.
This was one of a series of exercises which are undertaken to test the operational readiness of the Defence Forces to discharge their role of aiding the civil power.
For reasons of security it is not the practice to disclose details of the numbers of personnel involved in such operations.
Can the Minister give any indication of the number of units involved in the various commands from which these units were drawn and what involvement, if any, there was of the Garda Síochána? Furthermore, was he satisfied with the co-ordination and co-operation in the entire operation?
To take the last question first, yes, I was satisfied with the result of the exercise. As I have said, it was in order to test the operational readiness of these troops. I can tell the House that the troops were drawn from the Curragh Command, that there were over 500 involved in total in different areas of activity in the counties mentioned. I might say this was not the first time that exercise has taken place, as the Deputy well knows. In 1985 there was one of the same proportions in the Castlebar area of County Mayo. It is a worthwhile exercise and results in our troops getting to know areas and also allows them to put into practice the theory they have learned in relation to their functions. In regard to the involvement of the Garda Síochána, I might point out that that is an area proper to my colleague, the Minister for Justice.
I presume they were involved.
The Deputy is presuming correctly.
Could the Minister indicate what was the involvement of An Fórsa Cosanta Áitiúil in this operation, whether they were used to man the barracks vacated by the members of the permanent Defence Forces who were involved in the actual operation?
I have not got that information. If the Deputy is implying that proper precautions were not taken in the absence of the people who were operating on the Border, I am sure he can take it that the GOC of the Curragh Command would ensure that that would not be so.
I am disappointed at the Minister's reply——
I must move on; it is unfair——
What option was available to members of the FCA to be involved? I hope they were involved.
I am calling Question No. 28.