Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 17 May 2000

Vol. 519 No. 3

Written Answers - County Longford Siege.

Brendan Howlin

Question:

88 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Defence if any request was received from the Garda for assistance from the Defence Forces in the resolution of a siege at Abbeylara, County Longford in which a man was shot dead by the gardaí on 20 April 2000; the basis on which members of the Defence Forces are made available to assist the gardaí in such circumstances and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13681/00]

Minister for Defence (Mr. M. Smith)

Primary responsibility for the maintenance of law and order rests with the Garda Síochána. The Defence Forces, pursuant to their role of rendering aid to the civil power, assist the gardaí when requested.

There was no request for Defence Forces assistance from the gardaí in relation to the incident at Abbeylara, County Longford.