Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 May 2026
91. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Defence the way in which the process for the Army to be deployed to aid the Gardaí in operations should take place; her views on whether this process was adequately followed in terms of the recent request in relation to fuel protests; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33418/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, and An Garda Síochána, has 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 providing assistance to An Garda Síochána, when requested, to do so. Any such assistance is provided by the Defence Forces, following a request for assistance from An Garda Síochána to the military authorities.
An Garda Síochána can make requests for assistance directly to the Defence Forces for their consideration in the employment of Defence Forces personnel in Aid to the Civil Power for. Such requests are submitted on a C-70 form which provides an outline of the assistance being sought. This is an administrative procedure, which is confidential to and between the Defence Forces and An Garda Síochána, my Department does not receive nor assess such requests, as it is an operational matter.
I can assure the Deputy that there is on-going and continuous close liaison between An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces regarding security matters, including Aid to Civil Power deployments.
