40B.—(1) The Minister may, subject to subsection (2), following a request to the Minister from the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, direct the deployment of a member of the Defence Forces in aid of the civil power.

(2) The Minister may, subject to such conditions as he or she may specify, give general approval for the deployment of a member of the Defence Forces in aid of the civil power for such class or classes of assistance as may be agreed with the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration.

(3) A member of the Defence Forces deployed in aid of the civil power may use such force as is reasonable, proportionate and necessary in the performance of his or her duties.

(4) The Chief of Staff shall, with the consent of the Minister, prepare and issue guidance to members of the Defence Forces deployed in aid of the civil power.

(5) In this section, "aid of the civil power" means assistance provided by the Defence Forces to An Garda Síochána under this section.]