Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 February 2026
167. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Defence if a costing has been done to provide members of the Defence Forces as part of the security apparatus for an event (details supplied); if so, the costs; and to provide costings for the role of the Defence Forces in the visit of President Biden and President Zelensky; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12529/26]
View answerMy colleague the Minister for Justice Home Affairs and Migration and An Garda Síochána have primary responsibility for the internal security of the State. Among the roles assigned to the Defence Forces is the provision of Aid to the Civil Power which, in practice, means providing assistance to An Garda Síochána when requested to do so and within their capacity and capabilities.
The Deputy will appreciate that there is an obligation on the State to take appropriate measures to ensure the safety of every visiting dignitary, in line with risk assessment. Similar measures and courtesies are as a matter of course also extended to Ireland, when the President and members of Government travel on official visits to other States.
I am advised that such costings as referenced by the Deputy are not as a matter of course held within my Department.
