191. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Defence the preparations being made by the Defence Forces to support security arrangements during Ireland's forthcoming EU Presidency. [53651/26]

Ireland has assumed the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, and my Department and the Defence Forces are fully engaged in supporting its delivery. This work continues as part of a coordinated whole-of-Government approach led by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Detailed cross-Departmental and multi-agency planning is ongoing, supported by structured engagement with An Garda Síochána and other key stakeholders, to ensure a safe, secure and well-managed Presidency. This includes planning for a substantial schedule of engagements, with over 270 meetings taking place in Ireland, including a number of high-level defence-related events hosted by my Department and the Defence Forces.

With regard to security preparations, the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, and An Garda Síochána have primary responsibility for the national security of the State, and in this instance for security operations during the EU Presidency period. The Defence Forces is prepared to provide assistance to An Garda Síochána in the role of Aid of the Civil Power as may be requested by An Garda Síochána by means of a C70 request form.

It is not appropriate for me, as Minister for Defence, to comment on specific security arrangements that may be put in place, as this is a matter for An Garda Síochána. Similarly the Defence Forces cannot comment on any specific arrangements due to operational security concerns which may impact the safety of visiting dignitaries, members of the public, or deployed Defence Forces personnel. I can confirm that the Defence Forces has stood up a Joint Task Force to coordinate any Defence Forces supports to operations conducted during the EU Presidency period. They are in close contact with An Garda Síochána in order to ensure the best supports the Defence Forces can provide are available when needed.

In addition, the Defence Forces continue to conduct training in a number of roles across land, sea and air to be fully prepared to support An Garda Síochána during this period.