Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 4 Nov 2003

Vol. 573 No. 3

Written Answers. - EU Presidency.

Michael D. Higgins

Ceist:

150 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Defence the security role the Defence Forces are likely to be asked to carry out during the period of the Irish Presidency of the EU; the anticipated likely cost of additional security duties during the period of the Presidency; if additional equipment has been acquired or is planned to be acquired; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25248/03]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

194 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Defence his Department's plans for Defence Forces participation in security provision for the forthcoming Irish Presidency of the EU, including ATCP operations, and specific preparation measures required. [25391/03]

Minister for Defence (Mr. M. Smith)

I propose to take question Nos. 150 and 194 together.

The Garda Siochána has primary responsibility for law and order, including the protection of the internal security of the State. Among the roles assigned to the Defence Forces is the provision of aid to the civil power, meaning in practice to assist the Garda Siochána when requested, which duties include the protection and guarding of vital installations, the provision of certain security escorts and so on. Consultation on roles and requirements for the EU Presidency is currently ongoing between the Garda Siochána and the Defence Forces, which will render such assistance as may be appropriate. Due to the importance of security for key EU Presidency meetings it would be inappropriate for me to indicate the nature and extent of any roles which the Defence Forces may undertake. As such, I do not propose to comment on equipment which has been or may be acquired by the Defence Forces in respect of the Presidency.

As consultations between the Garda Siochána and the Defence Forces are at a very early stage, it is not possible to calculate the additional costs which may arise in respect of security duties pertaining to the Presidency.