82 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Defence the cost to the State of the Defence Forces security operations in relation to the upcoming US Presidential visit. [18888/04]

The Garda Síochána has the primary responsibility for law and order, including the protection of the internal security of the State. Among the roles assigned to the Defence Forces is the provision of aid to the civil power, meaning in practice to assist, when requested, the Garda Síochána, which duties include the protection and guarding of vital installations, the provision of certain security escorts etc.

In relation to the forthcoming US presidential visit, the Defence Forces will render such assistance as it deemed necessary and appropriate when requested by the Garda. The level and demand for Defence Forces assistance depends on ongoing security assessments undertaken by the Garda. As the planning for this event is in its final stages and as the level of security can vary over time and depending on the circumstances pertaining, it is not possible, at this stage, to quantify the costs to the State which may arise in respect of security duties undertaken by the Defence Forces during the US presidential visit this week.