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Defence Forces Operations.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 May 2004

Tuesday, 11 May 2004

Questions (43, 44)

Joe Costello

Question:

69 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Defence the role played by the Defence Forces in the security operation surrounding the ceremonies marking the accession of new member states to the EU; the costs incurred by the Defence Forces in the operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13393/04]

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Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

70 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Defence if he will report on the terms of deployment of the Defence Forces in support of the Garda Síochána on 1 May 2004. [13451/04]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 69 and 70 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 in duties, which included the security operation surrounding the ceremonies marking the accession of new member states to the EU on 1 May 2004.

In the case of the recent deployment of the Defence Forces on 1 May, a significant amount of pre-planning was undertaken by the Garda and the Defence Forces in regard to the deployment and the respective roles of the deployed personnel. Defence Forces were mainly deployed at Farmleigh and on the periphery road inside the Phoenix Park. Extensive preparations were put in place by the Defence Forces to provide additional training in riot and crowd control and more than 2,500 personnel were deployed in various roles. In addition, the Naval Service was on patrol in the Irish Sea and the Air Corps provided air traffic control capability and support to operations both at Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel and in the park. The Garda air support unit was also very active on 1 May providing top cover support to Garda operations. A temporary restricted flight area was in place over Dublin and the Air Defence regiment provided air defence cover for Dublin Airport, Farmleigh and Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel in this regard. The Defence Forces EOD units, its chemical biological, nuclear and radiological units and its engineering and communications specialists also provided support for the operation.

I am glad to say there was no requirement to call on the Defence Forces to provide additional support to the Garda in the maintenance of public order in this instance and that the Garda were able to fully contain the actions of a relatively small number of trouble-makers who endeavoured to breach the security cordon.

With regard to the question of the costs incurred by the Defence Forces in the provision of assistance to the Garda Síochána on 1 May, I am advised that such costs are not readily available due to the extent of the Defence Forces commitment to the operation. However, these costs are currently being compiled and I will arrange to have them forwarded to the Deputy when they are available.

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