Joe Higgins
Ceist:172 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Defence the number of Army personnel deployed for the visit of President Bush; and the cost of this deployment. [19777/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 30 June 2004
Ceisteanna (109)
Freagraí scríofa
The Garda Síochána has the 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, when requested, the Garda Síochána, which duties include the protection and guarding of vital installations, the provision of certain security escorts and so forth. The Garda requested the support of the Defence Forces for the recent visit of the US President. Approximately 2,262 members of the Permanent Defence Force were deployed on security duties in connection with the visit.
With regard to the question of the costs incurred by the Defence Forces in the provision of assistance to the Garda Síochána for the visit, I am advised that such costs are not readily available due to the extent of the Defence Forces commitment to the operation. However, these costs are currently being compiled and I will arrange to have them forwarded to the Deputy when they are available.