Vol. 514 No. 5
51 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Defence the number of Defence Forces personnel on Border duty; the number on duty in each of the years from 1998 to date; the changes, if any, in the numbers required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4580/00]
108 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Defence the number of Defence Forces personnel on Border duty; the number on duty in each of the years from 1998 to date; the changes, if any, in the numbers required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4649/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 51 and 108 together.
The primary responsibility for internal security rests with the Garda Síochána. The Defence Forces, pursuant to their role of rendering aid to the civil power, assist the Garda as required.
Requests to the Defence Forces by the Garda in relation to border duty include the provision of armed parties for the purpose of protecting gardaí and the carrying out of duties such as vehicle checkpoints, mobile patrols, specialist search team tasks and explosive ordnance disposal tasks. It is not the practice, for security reasons, to give details, such as numbers of patrols or checkpoints, relating to these operations.
The Defence Forces will continue as necessary to respond to requests from the Garda for aid to the civil power in the border area.
