Niamh Smyth
Question:64. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans for the reinstatement of troops in the Border counties in view of Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48210/18]
View answerWednesday, 21 November 2018
Questions (64, 65)
Niamh Smyth
Question:65. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans to reintroduce a new Army barracks or Defence Forces base in counties Cavan and Monaghan or the greater Border region in view of Brexit and the possible reintroduction of a hard Border; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48211/18]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 64 and 65 together.
As part of a whole of Government approach, my Department is engaged in forward planning with the other Departments involved in addressing all issues relevant to the UK's decision to leave the European Union. This engagement involves the identification of key strategic, operational and policy issues arising from Brexit.
As I have said in response to this question in the past, the UK's decision to leave the EU does not of itself give rise to additional border control requirements and accordingly there is no reason to revisit previous decisions on the location of military installations across the country, including in the border region. The avoidance of a hard border on the island is fundamental to the draft Brexit agreement reached last week between the EU and the UK government. As such, there are no plans to reintroduce a new Army barracks or Defence Forces base in counties Cavan and Monaghan or the greater Border region.
Furthermore, and as I have also outlined previously in this regard, it is important to note that primary responsibility for the internal security of the State rests with the Minister for Justice and Equality and An Garda Síochána. Accordingly, responsibility for the security aspect of border control rests with An Garda Síochána, while the Revenue Commissioners also have responsibilities relating to their particular mandate.
Among the roles assigned to the Defence Forces in the White Paper on Defence is the provision of Aid to the Civil Power which, in practice, means to provide assistance and support to An Garda Síochána when requested to do so. The Defence Forces also provide support to the Revenue Commissioners, again, when requested to do so.
There is ongoing close liaison between An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces regarding security matters and regular coordination and liaison meetings take place. My Department will of course continue to monitor the ongoing situation to ensure that both it and the Defence Forces are fully prepared to address any potential issues that might arise in the defence area as a consequence of Brexit.
Questions Nos. 66 to 68, inclusive, answered orally.