Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 February 2019
47. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if the former Dún Uí Néill Barracks, Cavan town, County Cavan will be available for use by the Permanent Defence Forces should security needs require the deployment of additional personnel to the central Border area, namely counties Cavan and Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9419/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraPrimary responsibility for the internal security of the State rests with the Minister for Justice and Equality and An Garda Síochána. Accordingly, responsibility for the security aspect of border control rests with An Garda Síochána, while the Revenue Commissioners also have responsibilities relating to their particular mandate.
Among the roles assigned to the Defence Forces in the White Paper on Defence is the provision of Aid to the Civil Power which, in practice, means to provide assistance and support to An Garda Síochána when requested when requested to do so. The Defence Forces also provide support to the Revenue Commissioners, again, when requested to do so.
There is ongoing close liaison between An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces regarding security matters and regular coordination and liaison meetings take place. My Department continues to monitor developments to ensure that both it and the Defence Forces are fully prepared to address any potential issues that might arise in the defence area as a consequence of the UK's decision to leave the EU.
Brexit does not of itself give rise to additional border control requirements. Furthermore, the avoidance of a hard border on the island is fundamental to the Withdrawal Agreement reached in November last between the EU and the UK Government, and there can be no change to the commitments made in that agreement. As such, there are no plans re-open or re-establish an army barracks in any locations.
