Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 February 2026
195. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Defence if her attention has been drawn to reports of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) deportation flights refuelling at Shannon airport, including those deporting Palestinians to the West Bank; if the Irish Defence Forces are providing security at Shannon Airport for ICE; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12468/26]
View answerThe Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Immigration and An Garda Síochána have primary responsibility for the national security of the State. Among the roles assigned to the Defence Forces is the provision of Aid to the Civil Power (ATCP) which, in practice, means to assist An Garda Síochána when requested to do so. On each occasion that the support of the Defence Forces is required, including at Shannon Airport, An Garda Síochána request their assistance and accordingly, any security assessments, and consequent decisions to seek support from the Defence Forces, are a matter for An Garda Síochána.
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, Home Affairs and Migration regarding security matters generally, including the Defence Forces Aid to Civil Power roles.
