Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 10 May 2018
31. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of times the Defence Forces engaged in aid to civil power duties with regard to US military aircraft present at Shannon Airport to date in 2018; the number of personnel involved; the cost of these engagements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20427/18]
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 in the White Paper on Defence is the provision of Aid to the Civil Power (ATCP) which, in practice, means to assist An Garda Síochána when requested to do so. On each occasion that the support of the Defence Forces is required, An Garda Síochána issues a form C70 to the Defence Forces to request their assistance.
Since 5 February 2003, the Gardaí have requested support from the Defence Forces at Shannon Airport on occasion. The cost of the presence of Defence Forces performing aid to civil power duties with regard to United States of America military aircraft landing at Shannon airport in 2018 is €59,162.24 for 82 deployments. The costs relate to security duty allowance paid to members of the Defence Forces, rations and fuel. The cost of ATCP operations are met entirely from the Defence Vote.
For security reasons it would not be appropriate to disclose the details regarding the number of personnel assigned to each deployment.
I am satisfied that there is ongoing and close liaison between both An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces, and between my Department and the Department of Justice and Equality regarding security matters generally, including the Defence Forces ATCP roles.
