Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 June 2013
32. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Defence if the Defence Forces have been asked to undertake any duties in respect of the forthcoming G8 summit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29105/13]
View answer38. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Defence if leave has been cancelled for Irish Defence Forces on 17 and 18 June 2013. [29117/13]
View answer39. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Defence the amount the security arrangements for the G8 summit in County Fermanagh will cost the Irish tax payer. [29116/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 32, 38 and 39 together.
In this jurisdiction, security arrangements for the G8 Summit which is currently taking place in Co. Fermanagh are primarily the responsibility of An Garda Síochána. However, one of the roles assigned to the Defence Forces in the White Paper on Defence (2000) is to provide Aid to the Civil Power (ATCP) which, in practice, means to assist An Garda Síochána when requested to do so.
Arising from liaison with An Garda Síochána, the Defence Forces have a number of requested assets available on stand-by to support An Garda Síochána if required.These include Explosive Ordnance Disposal Teams and Engineer Specialised Search Teams along with Air Corps and Naval Service support.
Until the security operation has been fully wound down, the final costs of the specific contribution by the Defence Forces cannot be confirmed.Such costs are likely to include travel and subsistence and the payment of allowances for those personnel directly involved in the security operation.
No plans have been made to cancel Defence Forces leave during the period of the G8 Summit, however the individual General Officers Commanding have the right to cancel or restrict leave in exceptional operational circumstances.
