I propose to take Questions Nos. 179 to 185, inclusive, together.
The support given to the President in relation to the programme of State Travel (both visits abroad and incoming) and with the acceptance of the credentials of Ambassadors to Ireland is a matter for the Government. The President acts in these matters on the advice of the Government and the arrangements are made by Government. The arrangements are in accordance with the generally accepted practice internationally.
Part of the role of the Defence Forces is the provision of ceremonial support generally. As the personnel are drawn from the cadre of the Defence Forces, no additional costs arise which would not otherwise be incurred in the normal course with the exception of the transportation of troops to the ceremonial location. The costs of such transportation are not compiled separately by my Department.
I am satisfied that the appearance of Defence Forces personnel in these roles, in support of the President and at the annual commemorative and parade events, is a small but very important part of their duties.
The main Ceremonial support provided includes a Guard of Honour, a Band, an Escort and Marshals for events such as:
Presentation of Credentials;
State Visits by Prime Ministers
State Visits by foreign Heads of State;
State Visits by President (inward/outward);
The following table sets out the number of personnel involved in each such event.
Event
|
Guard of Honour (No. of personnel)
|
Band (No. of personnel)
|
Escort (No. of personnel)
|
Presentation of Credentials and Prime Ministerial State Visits
|
56
|
40
|
19
|
State Visits by Heads of State (in/out)
|
107
|
40
|
27
|
State Visit of President (in/out) (Honour Guard)
|
64
|
|
27
|
State Visit of President (out) (Full Ceremonial)
|
107
|
40
|
27
|