Vol. 489 No. 2
101 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Defence the nature and extent of the security operations mounted by the Army to safeguard the public and workers during blasting operations at a County Sligo commercial quarry (details supplied). [7749/98]
102 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Defence the cost to the Exchequer of the security operations mounted by the Army in connection with the blasting operations and escort to and from a County Sligo commercial quarry (details supplied) on each occasion from 1 January 1992 to date; and the amount, if any, contributed by the site owner or the blasting contractors. [7750/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 101 and 102 together.
Military escorts are provided at the request of an Garda Síochána in connection with the movement of commercial explosives and at quarry blasting operations.
The cost of assistance rendered by the Defence Forces to an Garda Síochána in respect of the individual location mentioned for the period in question is not readily available since Garda/Army escorts may visit a number of sites/quarries on a particular date.
Contributions are not sought from site owners or blasting contractors in respect of these security duties.
