Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 April 2019
33. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if members of the Defence Forces performed aid-to-civil-power duties for an aircraft (details supplied); and if they participated in the arrest or detention of two peace activists who attempted to inspect the aircraft. [16807/19]
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 5th February 2003, the Gardaí have requested support from the Defence Forces at Shannon Airport on occasion. The decision to seek support from the Defence Forces is an operational matter for An Garda Síochána.
I can confirm that An Garda Síochána did not request assistance from the Defence Forces to perform Aid to the Civil Power duties for an aircraft (details supplied) at Shannon Airport on the 17th March.
