Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 July 2016
840. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he is aware of reports that members of the Defence Forces shot cattle dead on a farm in County Monaghan as part of the seizure of a bankrupt farmer's assets. [21156/16]
View answer841. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence to report on the involvement of members of the Defence Forces at a farm (details supplied) where cattle were reportedly shot; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21235/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 840 and 841 together.
Primary responsibility for the internal security of the State rests with the Department of Justice and Equality and An Garda Síochána. Among the roles assigned to the Defence Forces is the provision of Aid to the Civil Power (ATCP) which, in practice, means to provide assistance and support to An Garda Síochána when requested to do so.
This operation was carried out at the request of An Garda Síochána. It was initiated at the request of the Official Assignee in Bankruptcy who is responsible for the herd of cattle on the farm in question. It proceeded in conjunction with the Department of Agriculture, Food & Marine.
