Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

I propose to take Question Nos. 7 and 17 together.

The visits of Queen Elizabeth and President Obama required unprecedented security arrangements to be put in place by An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces to ensure the safety of our visitors and the maintenance of public order.

All Garda leave and rest days were cancelled for this period, and members on duty were required to work longer than normal shifts. Movement of several thousand Garda members over several days had to be arranged, involving hiring transport and the provision of accommodation. Catering had to be provided at the various venues. A range of security-related equipment also had to be purchased or hired.

The Garda Commissioner, who is the Accounting Officer for the Garda Vote, is currently finalising processing of payments of the costs incurred. This has taken time, as, for example, individual claims for overtime must be verified before being approved for payment. While I cannot give a final figure, I would estimate, on the basis of the information available, that the total Garda cost arising from the visits will exceed €20 million.

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