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 which means in practice to assist, when requested, the Garda Síochána, whose duties include the protection and guarding of vital installations, the provision of certain security escorts and so on.
The gardaí 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. The equipment, vehicles and machinery deployed by the Defence Forces in connection with the visit are shown on the attached schedule.
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 will be available before the end of the month. I will arrange to have them forwarded to the Deputy when they are available.
Schedule of Defence Forces Vehicles and Equipment Deployed in Connection with Visit of US President
Air Corps
|
Naval Service
|
5
|
Alouette Helicopter
|
2
|
Off Shore Patrol Vessel (OPV)
|
2
|
Dauphin Helicopter
|
1
|
Coastal Patrol Vessel (CPV)
|
2
|
Casa aircraft
|
1
|
Long Range Patrol Vessel (LPV)
|
1
|
Beechcraft
|
|
|
1
|
PC 9
|
|
|
1
|
Marchetti
|
|
|
12
|
Total
|
4
|
Total
|
Brigade Assets
|
Assorted Vehicles
|
12
|
Field Kitchen
|
92
|
Truck
|
3
|
Freezer Unit
|
26
|
Transit
|
75
|
Portaloo
|
68
|
Landrover plus 29 trailers
|
10
|
Chemical Toilet
|
15
|
Mowag Armoured Personnel Carriers
|
10
|
Waste Skip
|
7
|
Scorpion Tank
|
8
|
Generator
|
1
|
SISU Armoured Personnel Carrier
|
11
|
Portacabin
|
5
|
Drops Vehicle
|
13
|
Firefighting Hose
|
4
|
Coach
|
60
|
Fire Extinguisher
|
1
|
Low Loader plus Artic
|
44
|
Troop Carrying Truck
|
3
|
Recovery Vehicle
|
|
|
2
|
Ration Van
|
|
Air Defence Regiment
|
10
|
Motor Bike
|
6
|
RBS Missile Post
|
1
|
Fire Engine
|
1
|
Giraffe Radar
|
7
|
Saloon/Vanette
|
1
|
Flycatcher Radar
|
2
|
Tipper Truck
|
|
|
6
|
Ambulance
|
|
|
250
|
Total Assorted Vehicles
|