Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 October 2015
25. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Defence if he is satisfied with the current system for the provision of aid-to-the-civil-power duties at Shannon Airport; if he has had discussions with the Department of Justice and Equality with a view to changing the current system and command structure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34521/15]
View answerThe Department of Justice and Equality and An Garda Síochána have primary responsibility for 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. This role was affirmed by the Government in the recently published new White Paper on Defence.
The process that led to the new White Paper included consultation with a wide range of key stakeholders and Government Departments, including the Department of Justice and Equality and An Garda Síochána. This consultation process did not result in any impetus to make changes to the arrangements that have been in place since 2003 when the Defence Forces were first deployed to Shannon Airport at the request of An Garda Síochána.
In these circumstances, I am satisfied with the arrangements in place for this and other ATCP roles played by the Defence Forces.
