Clare Daly (Dublin North, Socialist Party)

The question was tabled because many unsuccessful attempts have been made to obtain accurate information on the overall costs to the State of the two recent State visits. When questions were put to the Taoiseach he could only account for the cost to his Department and indicated that an estimate of the costs involved should be sought from each individual Department. One could be forgiven for concluding that the Government does not want to reveal the true figure. The figures provided by the Minister can now be added to those provided by other Departments.

I would be pleased if some overtime was generated for members of the Defence Forces as it would soften the blow that their pay packets have taken as a result of reductions in public sector pay. The Minister indicated his budget is sufficient to absorb the costs arising from the two unanticipated State visits. From which part of his Department's budget will these resources be taken?

The Minister also indicated that searches and surveillance were carried out at the request of the Garda Síochána. Were searches or surveillance carried out at the request of the United States authorities? If so, will the Minister indicate what was the cost of such activities?

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