Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 4 Mar 2003

Vol. 562 No. 4

Written Answers - Role of Defence Forces.

Pat Breen

Question:

187 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Defence the guidelines which have been issued to the Army in respect of their security duties at Shannon Airport; the circumstances under which members of the Army are authorised to open fire; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6486/03]

Minister for Defence (Mr. M. Smith)

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, in duties which include the protection and guarding of vital installations.

The Garda, which undertakes threat assessments for Shannon Airport on an ongoing basis, requested the Defence Forces to provide assistance in securing the airport. Such assistance has been rendered by the Defence Forces since 5 February 2003 and liaison between the Garda and the Defence Forces in this regard is continuing. The role of the Defence Forces currently deployed at Shannon Airport is to assist the Garda in carrying out their security duties.

In relation to rules of engagement, defence force regulation, CS1, sets out the rules under which the Defence Forces may act. Defence Forces Regulation CS1 provides that any force used should be the minimum necessary in order to achieve the required objective. In addition, no action should be taken by the officer commanding in the absence of prior consultation, where practicable, with the Garda Síochána. In relation to the use of lethal force, members of the Defence Forces may only discharge a live round of ammunition in the following circumstances: the protection of the military party and its individual members; the saving of the lives of others; the prevention of a criminal outrage of a serious nature such as the burning or destruction of any building or the commission of any crime likely to cause loss of life; or the breaking open of a prison.

However, the use of lethal force could only be taken where there is no other alternative and where the Garda Síochána have been consulted as to the appropriate course of action. It is not expected that such a situation will arise in Shannon.