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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 5 May 1994

Vol. 442 No. 4

Written Answers. - Border Security.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

10 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Defence whether he has satisfied himself that adequate resources are allocated to enable the army to provide security back-up to the civil authorities along the Border; the annual cost of security backup; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Since becoming Minister for Defence I have visited a number of military locations in the Border area and I am satisfied that members of the Permanent Defence Force who operate there have sufficient resources, both in terms of manpower and equipment, to undertake the various tasks allocated to them.

There are three infantry battalions, a cavalry squadron and other supporting elements including bomb disposal teams and specialist search teams permanently located in the Border area.
Military personnel assist the Garda Síochána in patrolling the road network around the Border area as well as assisting in the operation of mobile and permanent road checkpoints. In addition Air Corps helicopters and aircraft which provide aerial support, assistance, and reconnaissance are also stationed in Border areas.
These resources are reviewed on an on-going basis and are adjusted as circumstances warrant.
The cost of Border security as such is not separately complied. However, the extra security costs attributable to the Northern Ireland situation in so far as the Department of Defence is concerned, amounted to £136 million in 1993.
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