Paul Gogarty (Dublin Mid West, Green Party)
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Question 480: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the amount spent on the security operation at the perimeter of Shannon Airport in 2006 and to date in 2007 to prevent further incursions by anti-war activists; his views on whether such levels are adequate or excessive; if the current threat warrants the levels of expenditure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34869/07]

Paul Gogarty (Dublin Mid West, Green Party)
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Question 481: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the amount spent on the security operation at Shannon Airport in 2006 and to date in 2007 to prevent possible incursions by terrorists and to protect US military personnel; his views on whether such levels are adequate or excessive; if the current threat warrants the levels of expenditure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34870/07]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 480 and 481, together.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the total cost, including salaries, of policing arrangements at Shannon Airport for 2006 was €4,695,737 and for January to November 2007 was €3,134,011.

These costs are inclusive of policing the perimeter of the airport and cannot be differentiated either according to the specific constituents of policing or according to the nature of the threat posed, as policing plans are put in place only following a comprehensive rather than piecemeal consideration of threat.

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 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 is considered essential for the integrity of the airport itself and of both its employees and clients.

Accordingly, I remain satisfied that Garda policing arrangements at Shannon Airport continue to be both necessary and appropriate.