Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 September 2014
15. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Defence his plans to instruct the Irish Defence Forces to detain and intern any US soldier transiting through Shannon Airport in compliance with Article 11 of the Hague Convention (V) on neutrality; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34546/14]
View answerI have no plans to instruct the Defence Forces to detain and intern US soldiers transiting through Shannon Airport. Firstly, An 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 (ATCP) which, in practice, means to assist An Garda Síochána when requested to do so. The Defence Forces deploy personnel to Shannon Airport, in response to requests for support from An Garda Síochána.
Secondly, Ireland is not a party to the Hague Convention (V) respecting the Rights and Duties of Neutral Powers and Persons in Case of War on Land, and I understand from my colleague, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, that there are no plans to become a member.
