Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

I thank the Deputy for her question, although it is starting to feel like ground-hog day. Her colleague, Deputy Clare Daly, asked the same question earlier. Such visits involve different Departments and agencies. In the context of security issues, the Garda was the lead agency engaged to provide the security necessary and it is estimated the additional cost to the force will not be less than €20 million.

In the context of the Defence Forces' engagement in providing both security and protection at the request of the Garda and engaging in ceremonial duties, the cost of Queen Elizabeth's visit is estimated to be €1.18 million while they incurred costs of approximately €600,000 for President Obama's visit. A backward look at the costs incurred is under way but that will take time and until that is complete, we will not have the final figures. Members are enthusiastically tabling parliamentary questions to elicit information as rapidly as possible but at this stage, most of the figures are relatively clear. I know there is some finality to be brought to the figures for the Garda Síochána. We will know the final figures by the end of this week, which is the end of June. The same applies to the Defence Forces.

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