Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 47: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on whether the €3.85 million cost of security at Shannon Airport in 2006 was a justified burden for the Government to impose through its foreign policy choices on the Irish taxpayer. [12982/07]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that Garda policing arrangements at Shannon Airport in 2006 cost approximately €3.85 million, a figure which includes normal salaries.

The Garda Síochána is statutorily required to provide policing services for the State with the aim of preserving public order and protecting life and property. In this regard, Garda resources are allocated by the Commissioner, according to, inter alia, assessed threat, so it is the latter which ultimately determines the associated costs. In this context, the continuance of the ongoing policing arrangements at Shannon Airport are considered essential for the integrity of the airport itself and of both its employees and clients. In the circumstances, I do not accept the premise of the Deputy's question. Accordingly, I remain satisfied that Garda policing arrangements at Shannon Airport continue to be both necessary and appropriate.