The roles of the Defence Forces as assigned by the Government are set out in the White Paper on Defence, which was published in February 2000. Among the assigned roles is aiding the civil power, which means in practice to assist, when requested, the Garda Síochána which has primary responsibility for law and order, including the protection of the internal security of the State. The Defence Forces, pursuant to their role of rendering aid to the civil power, assist the Garda as required in duties which include cash escorts.
The Defence Forces have been requested by the Garda 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 and liaison between the Garda 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.