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Defence Forces Equipment.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 7 July 2004

Wednesday, 7 July 2004

Questions (172)

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

168 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Defence the number of soldiers, and the details of equipment, vehicles and machinery which were deployed in respect of the recent visit of President Bush; and the estimate, followed by final figures giving a detailed breakdown, of the costs incurred; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20790/04]

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Written answers

The Garda Síochána has the primary responsibility for law and order, including the protection of the internal security of the State. Among the roles assigned to the Defence Forces is the provision of aid to the civil power which means in practice to assist, when requested, the Garda Síochána, whose duties include the protection and guarding of vital installations, the provision of certain security escorts and so on.

The gardaí requested the support of the Defence Forces for the recent visit of the US President. Approximately 2,262 members of the Permanent Defence Force were deployed on security duties in connection with the visit. The equipment, vehicles and machinery deployed by the Defence Forces in connection with the visit are shown on the attached schedule.

With regard to the question of the costs incurred by the Defence Forces in the provision of assistance to the Garda Síochána for the visit, 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 will be available before the end of the month. I will arrange to have them forwarded to the Deputy when they are available.

Schedule of Defence Forces Vehicles and Equipment Deployed in Connection with Visit of US President

Air Corps

Naval Service

5

Alouette Helicopter

2

Off Shore Patrol Vessel (OPV)

2

Dauphin Helicopter

1

Coastal Patrol Vessel (CPV)

2

Casa aircraft

1

Long Range Patrol Vessel (LPV)

1

Beechcraft

1

PC 9

1

Marchetti

12

Total

4

Total

Brigade Assets

Assorted Vehicles

12

Field Kitchen

92

Truck

3

Freezer Unit

26

Transit

75

Portaloo

68

Landrover plus 29 trailers

10

Chemical Toilet

15

Mowag Armoured Personnel Carriers

10

Waste Skip

7

Scorpion Tank

8

Generator

1

SISU Armoured Personnel Carrier

11

Portacabin

5

Drops Vehicle

13

Firefighting Hose

4

Coach

60

Fire Extinguisher

1

Low Loader plus Artic

44

Troop Carrying Truck

3

Recovery Vehicle

2

Ration Van

Air Defence Regiment

10

Motor Bike

6

RBS Missile Post

1

Fire Engine

1

Giraffe Radar

7

Saloon/Vanette

1

Flycatcher Radar

2

Tipper Truck

6

Ambulance

250

Total Assorted Vehicles

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