Vol. 545 No. 4
57 Mr. Bradford asked the Minister for Defence if he has had a request from the Garda Síochána seeking additional assistance in securing cash in transit, as part of the euro changeover process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30595/01]
As I indicated to the House earlier today, 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 who have 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 gardaí as required in duties which include cash escorts.
The Defence Forces have been requested by the gardaí to provide assistance in securing cash in transit as part of the euro changeover. Such assistance has been rendered by the Defence Forces since 30 October 2001 and liaison between the gardaí and the Defence Forces in this regard is continuing. The Deputy will appreciate that it would not be appropriate for me for reasons of security to indicate details of the nature or level of such assistance.
