Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 January 2017
1738. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the total cost to the State of the Defence Forces performing aid to civil power duties for United States of America military aircraft landing at Shannon airport in 2016, including a monthly breakdown of the costs. [1958/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 Garda has requested support from the Defence Forces at Shannon Airport on occasion. The cost of the presence of Defence Forces at Shannon Airport, performing aid to civil power duties for United States of America military aircraft landing at Shannon Airport in 2016 is set out in the following table:
|
Month |
Costs |
|
January |
€15,457.23 |
|
February |
€13,896.72 |
|
March |
€15,492.39 |
|
April |
€15,101.14 |
|
May |
€15,422.07 |
|
June |
€15,007.38 |
|
July |
€15,293.15 |
|
August |
€15,340.03 |
|
September |
€14,960.50 |
|
October |
€15,574.13 |
|
November |
€14,808.14 |
|
December |
€15,316.59 |
|
TOTAL |
€181,669.47 |
I am satisfied that there is ongoing and close liaison between both An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces, and between my Department and the Department of Justice and Equality regarding security matters generally, including the Defence Forces ATCP roles.
