State Visits

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 April 2018

Tuesday, 17 April 2018

Questions (130)

Mattie McGrath

Question:

130. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of official State visits his Department has been involved with for each of the past four years; the costs associated with same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15600/18]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

One of the roles assigned to the Defence Forces in the White Paper for Defence is the provision of ceremonial support. The Defence Forces were required to provide ceremonial support for five official State visits in the past four years.

There are no additional costs arising which would not otherwise be incurred by the Defence Forces in support of their role.

I am satisfied that the attendance of Defence Forces personnel at State visits in support of the President is an important part of their duties.