I propose to take Questions Nos. 99, 100 and 102 together.
The roles of the Defence Forces, as assigned by Government, are set out in the White Paper on Defence, which was published in February 2000. Among the assigned roles is to aid the civil power, meaning in practice to assist, when requested, the Garda Síochána, which has primary responsibility for law and order, including the protection of the internal security of the State. The Defence Forces, pursuant to their role of rendering aid to the civil power, assist the Garda as required in duties, which include the protection and guarding of vital installations.
As a consequence of the terrorist events of 11 September security at Shannon Airport is under continuous review. The Garda, which undertakes threat assessments for Shannon Airport on an ongoing basis, requested the Defence Forces to provide assistance in securing the airport. Such assistance has been rendered by the Defence Forces since 5 February 2003, and liaison between the Garda and the Defence Forces in this regard is continuing. The Deputy will appreciate that it would not be appropriate for me, for reasons of security, to indicate the number of Defence Forces personnel involved in such operations.
The Defence Forces annual training plan provides for training in a broad spectrum of activities, including riot control and the policing of demonstrations in the aid to the civil power, ATCP, role. However, the primary responsibility for the maintenance and restoration of the public peace rests with the Garda Síochána, with the Defence Forces acting in support of the Garda. The issue of powers of arrest for members of the Defence Forces does not therefore arise.
The role of the Defence Forces currently deployed at Shannon Airport is to assist the Garda in carrying out its security duties. The Defence Forces have not been issued with non-lethal weapons or ammunition.
In relation to rules of engagement, Defence Forces Regulation CS1 sets out the rules under which the Defence Forces may act. Regulation CS1 provides that any force used should be the minimum necessary to achieve the required objective. In addition, no action should be taken by the officer commanding in the absence of prior consultation, where practicable with the Garda Síochána.
On the use of lethal force, members of the Defence Forces may only discharge a live round of ammunition in the following circumstances: in protecting the military party and its individual members; in saving the lives of others; in preventing a criminal outrage of a serious nature, such as the burning or destruction of any building or the commission of any crime likely to cause loss of life; or the breaking open of a prison. However, the use of lethal force, may only be where there is no alternative and the Garda Síochána has been consulted as to the appropriate course of action. It is not expected that such circumstances will arise in Shannon.
The estimated weekly cost of allowances paid to Defence Forces personnel on security duty at Shannon Airport is €40,000. Other costs incurred, such as catering, transport, etc., would arise in the normal course.