Ireland's Minister of Defence, Willie O'Dea TD, is in 'defensive posture' trying to justify the use of military (Naval) forces to assist An Garda S�hᮡ during peaceful protests against Shell's gas pipeline development in north Mayo last year.

The Celtic League had protested to the Irish government and the Defence Ministry about the use of military force in this instance. The League were particularly concerned that the use of military forces in this disproportionate manner could be an abuse of human rights principles set down by regional organisations such as the Council of Europe and also International bodies like the United Nations.

Astonishingly Minister O'Dea has suggested (see below) that assistance to the civil power in the Mayo context is allowed for under the White Paper on Defence of February 2000. However scrutiny of the Act shows clearly that this is a monstrous distortion.

"Office of the Minister for Defence
Oifig an Aire Cosanta
Department of Defence
An Roinn Cosanta

27 February 2009

Mr. J B Moffatt
Director of Information
Celtic League
11 Cleiy Rhennee
Isle of Man
1M6 1HT

Dear Mr. Moffatt,

I wish to refer further to your letter regarding the deployment of military personnel in north Mayo.


The primary responsibility for the maintenance of law and order rests with An Garda S�hᮡ. The Defence Forces, pursuant to their role of rendering aid to the civil power, assist the Garda�s required.

A Naval Service vessel was deployed to Broadhaven Bay in early September 2008 in response to a request for aid to the civil power from An Garda S�hᮡ. The Naval Service deployment was proportional to the request for support as received from An Garda S�hᮡ.

The Minister is satisfied that Defence Forces training provides military personnel with the capabilities required to execute the roles assigned to them by Government under the White Paper on Defence of February 2000, including the provision of aid to the civil power.

I trust the foregoing addresses your concerns on the matter.

Yours sincerely,


KATHLEEN MCAULIFFE
PRIVATE SECRETARY
MINISTER FOR DEFENCE"

Defence White Paper 2000 here:

(voir le site)

Related article on Celtic News at:

(voir le site)
(voir le site)
(voir le site)
(voir le site)


J B Moffatt
Director of Information
Celtic League

05/03/09

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