Fuel protests have brought parts of Ireland to a standstill, with tractors and heavy vehicles blocking major roads across the country.

Now, in a significant escalation, Jim O’Callaghan has said the Defence Forces will be deployed to help remove vehicles obstructing critical infrastructure.

With disruption affecting emergency services, transport, and access to essential goods, the Government says the situation has gone “beyond the pale”, while protesters argue they are being pushed to the brink by soaring fuel costs.

So what does calling in the army actually mean in practice? And Is this an unprecedented move, or part of standard “aid to the civil power?"

Ciara Doherty is joined by Security and Defence Anayst, and former member of the Defence Forces, Declan Power to unpack the latest developments.