The Department of Justice and Equality and An Garda Síochána have primary responsibility for the internal security of the State. Among the roles assigned to the Defence Forces in the White Paper on Defence is the provision of Aid to the Civil Power (ATCP) which, in practice, means to assist An Garda Síochána when requested to do so.
Since 5 February 2003, the Gardaí have requested support from the Defence Forces at Shannon Airport on occasion. The costs incurred in the provision of ATCP support at Shannon Airport in each of the past 13 years and to date in 2016 are set out in the following table. The costs comprise payment of Security Duty Allowance, provision of rations, and fuel.
Year
|
Amount (€)
|
2003
|
1,113,200
|
2004
|
760,500
|
2005
|
225,900
|
2006
|
403,375
|
2007
|
275,054
|
2008
|
286,273
|
2009
|
258,040
|
2010
|
203,366
|
2011
|
259,739
|
2012
|
275,008
|
2013
|
196,769
|
2014
|
180,913
|
2015
|
180,814
|
To date in 2016
|
81,090
|
These costs are met from within the Defence Vote.