Vol. 498 No. 5
100 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Defence the criteria on which the Defence Forces provide armed escorts for commercial interests, other than financial institutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28013/98]
The primary responsibility for internal security rests with an Garda Síochána. The Defence Forces, pursuant to their role of rendering aid to the civil power, assist the Garda as required. In this regard, the Garda request the provision of armed military escorts while explosive materials are in transit and such requests are responded to by the military authorities. I presume this is the matter to which the Deputy alludes.
In addition the collection and disposal of pyro-technics and time-expired flares has occasionally in the past involved the provision of an armed military escort.
