Vol. 402 No. 2
15 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Defence if, in view of the high number of security duty operations in aid of the civil power undertaken by the Defence Forces, he proposes to levy a charge for such operations in the future.
The Gleeson Commission recommended that the possibility of introducing charging arrangements for the provision of military services in aid of the civil power should be examined by the Departments of Defence and Finance. This will be done.
An important consideration, however, is that in practice aid to the civil power means the provision of assistance by the Defence Forces to the Garda Síochána whenever requested. While it is desirable that the cost of providing such military assistance should be determined it has been the practice that a Department, which in discharge of its primary functions provides a service for another Department, must generally bear the cost of the service on its own Vote.
Whether there should be an adjustment in the Votes of the Departments of Defence and Justice in respect of the services provided by the military personnel will be examined.
The question of the recovery of the costs of security operations from third parties is not a matter for my Department.
Bearing in mind the extra strain on personnel within the Defence Forces in the carrying out of increased security duties in aid of the civil power, would the Minister not agree it is timely that the State should be recompensed in some manner by such companies and financial institutions making vast profits? Would the Minister take on board what I am saying and take note of the fact also that such additional finance could be utilised in the recruitment and payment of extra personnel in the Defence Forces?
Certainly it is a matter that merits examination. I am taking what the Deputy is saying on board. It is not strictly a matter for my Department. It is really a Government matter to be taken up with the Department of Finance. I will certainly do so.
