Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

I thank the Deputy for his comments on the work undertaken by the Garda for this week's visit. Substantial work of a security nature has been undertaken, with the assistance and contribution of the Defence Forces. The conduct of a small minority of individuals, in making threats against the State and a distinguished visitor and her husband, is regrettable. It is also regrettable that a multiplicity of hoax bomb warnings have been issued and that the finding of some dangerous devices has required the nature of the security operation that has been undertaken. It is regrettable that this has curtailed the capacity of the many thousands of people in Dublin, who would have liked to have seen matters a good deal closer and to have been present at some of the events involving the Queen and Prince Philip, so that they have had to follow those events on their television screens, all because a small group of people created difficulties on our streets and posed a serious threat. It is unfortunate in a democracy that on occasions we should be subject to the tyranny of a minority.

In the context of funding, the Government gave every assurance to the Garda Commissioner and my Department that any funding necessary to ensure that all necessary security steps would be taken during the course of the visit would be provided. When both visits are complete, we will assess the costs incurred and these will be factored financially into how matters develop in the coming year. These visits will not impact on the capacity of the Garda to properly conduct its duties during the rest of this year.

See this speech in context