Charles Flanagan
Question:66 Mr. Flanagan asked the Minister for Defence the plans he has to cease providing armed escorts and to focus the Defence Forces on military duties. [3907/01]
Written Answers. - Armed Escorts.
Ivor Callely
Question:86 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Defence the financial arrangements in place for Army escorts provided to commercial security companies in the transportation of money to financial institutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4065/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 66 and 86 together.
The roles of the Defence Forces as assigned by Government are set out in the White Paper on Defence which was published in February 2000. To aid the civil power, meaning in practice to assist, when requested, the Garda Síochána which has the primary responsibility for law and order, including the protection of the internal security of the State, is among the assigned roles. The Defence Forces, pursuant to their role of rendering aid to the civil power, assist the Garda as required. This entails such duties as assisting the Garda at roadblocks, checkpoints and searches, including in the Border area. The Defence Forces also assist the gardaí in relation to prisoner escorts, cash escorts and explosives escorts.
No change in this role is envisaged. The question of the level of demand on the Defence Forces in aid of the gardaí is kept under constant review in my Department in consultation with the relevant Departments as well as with the Garda authorities. A portion of the costs arising from the provision by the Defence Forces of assistance to the Garda Síochána in protecting movements of cash is recouped from the banks.