Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 May 2026
317. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Defence the amount spent, including overtime to Army personnel, in providing security at Shannon Airport in 2026 to date, 2025 and 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36625/26]
View answerThe Defence Forces, in line with long-standing Government policy, provide support to An Garda Síochána under the Aid to the Civil Power (ATCP) mechanism when requested to do so.
There is ongoing and close liaison between both An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces, and between the Department of Defence and the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration regarding security matters generally, including the Defence Forces Aid to Civil Power roles.
The costs associated with Aid to the Civil Power (ATCP) duties at Shannon Airport for 2024 to end April 2026 are set out in the table below:
|
Year |
Annual Cost Associated with ATCP support at Shannon Airport |
|
2024 |
€244,798 |
|
2025 |
€289,274 |
|
2026 [up to end April 2026] |
€95,696 |
With regard to overtime, unlike other areas of the public service and due to the nature of the duties performed, overtime or shift allowance payments are not available to members of the Defence Forces.
Remuneration for individual members of the Permanent Defence Force is dependent on a range of factors relating to the role and duties they perform. The minimum for trained personnel is comprised of Basic Pay and Military Service Allowance.
Military Service Allowance (MSA) is paid up to and including the rank of Colonel. It is designed to compensate for the special conditions associated with military life including unsocial hours of duty; exposure to danger, and the restrictions inherent in military discipline.
While there are a number of different factors considered in the payment of Military Service Allowance, with effect from 1st February 2026 the enlisted personnel allowance rate ranges from €166.98 to €177.76 per week and the Officer allowance rate ranges from €6501 - €7020 per annum.
