Eoghan Kenny (Cork North-Central, Labour)

Will Mr. Harris bring it back as a note to the committee, basically stating the number of holsters bought from the company in Kildare and the number of holsters used. I do understand that some of them were used but, at the same time, a number of them were probably not used. The suggestion has been made that there were not up to the correct standards. We have not gone back and tried to recoup €500,000 of the public's money. To me that beggars belief.

I have several minutes left. I want to ask the Commissioner about what I consider to be the elaborate operation surrounding the delivery of Garda-held firearms to the late Evan Fitzgerald. The firearms were not trafficked or imported into the State as alleged. This operation did not occur within the space of a day. It was over a long period. Members of An Garda Síochána monitored and engaged with the young man while also having him under surveillance. Does the Commissioner believe that such an operation was necessary? If so, will he provide the financial costs and the opportunity cost?