Ciarán Cuffe
Question:223 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Defence the cost of Army security at Shannon Airport for the period before and during the recent war on Iraq; and the source from which this cost will be paid. [15300/03]
Written Answers. - Security Costs.
The Defence Forces have been assisting the Garda Síochána in securing Shannon Airport since 5 February 2003. There are ongoing consultations between the Garda and military authorities in relation to the threat assessment and adjustments are made in light of this assessment. For security reasons, it would be inappropriate for me to comment on the nature of the current deployment. However, as I stated in my reply to a similar question on 1 April last, the estimated weekly cost of allowances paid to Defence Forces personnel on security duty at Shannon Airport is €40,000 per week, which is being met from within the Defence Vote.