Eamonn Coghlan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

At this morning's meeting of the Joint Committee on Transport and Communications, the Minister of State, Deputy Ring, made an enthusiastic presentation on the importance of sport. He referred to its morale boost, its health benefits for young people and the positive image of Ireland it portrayed abroad.

My representation is not necessarily on behalf of the people seeking medical cards. Rather, it is intended for those who are preventing them from seeking medical cards. Last year, I made a representation on behalf of TriAthy, which is a triathlon in Athy. One week before the two-day event, the Garda handed its organisers an invoice for policing to the tune of €5,600. They were disgusted, particularly given the fact that they only received the invoice a number of days before the event. The amount did not include the €1,120 required to provide refreshments for gardaí.

Having received a representation on the matter, I understand that organisers are trying to halve Garda costs this year by holding a one-day event. However, they have been charged 112% more, some €11,911. Of the 150 such events that take place in Ireland annually, some are charged and others are not. We are in difficult economic circumstances and Garda stations are closing throughout the country, but will the Garda or the Minister provide clarity on the policy for charging such events for policing?