Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire
Question:140. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Defence if she will report on her preparations for the security dimensions of the EU presidency. [72049/25]
View answerTuesday, 16 December 2025
Questions (140)
Written answers
As the Deputy will be aware, preparations for the Presidency are now intensifying across Government. It is important to note that National Security rests primarily with the Department of Justice and An Garda Síochána. The Defence Forces’ role, as always, is to provide support to An Garda Síochána where specific capabilities are required under the Aid to the Civil Power (ATCP) framework.
An Garda Síochána is central to the security planning and preparation. It has established a dedicated European Union Presidency co-ordination office to oversee all aspects of operational planning, logistics and inter-agency engagement.
Support during the Presidency may include security-related and logistical assistance from across the Defence Forces — the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps — in response to requirements identified by An Garda Síochána. The Defence Forces and An Garda Síochána maintain a strong working relationship, and engagement has already taken place in respect of preliminary security planning. Further engagement with colleagues in the Department of Justice and AGS will ensure early visibility of any formal requests for Defence Forces assistance.