Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)

The same series of parliamentary questions have been tabled to elicit information regarding the costs incurred by local authorities, the Garda and the Defence Forces for these visits. Both visits went off well and they were worthwhile. I, therefore, did not table the question from the point of view of opposing the visits. However, I do not see how they could be self-financing. It may well be that when budgets were put together, an instruction issued to capture what might have been the cost. Several Members have tabled the same questions and this is repetitive work for someone. It would be worthwhile, therefore, if a composite response issued to save us from asking these questions. That would be useful and account should be taken of these costs when future visits are timetabled in order that we can budget for them appropriately.

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