Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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Question 264: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding extra funding for An Garda Síochána; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38412/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Arrangements have been made for the provision of additional funding for the Garda Vote in 2011 by way of a supplementary estimate. One of the main reasons for the supplementary estimate is to provide for an overrun on expenditure that has arisen in connection with the policing of the State visits of Queen Elizabeth and President Obama.

At this stage the supplementary estimate has been considered by the Select Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality and it is due to come before this House for approval later in the week. I look forward to its early adoption and I am very pleased that the process is close to a successful conclusion.

As I have previously stated in this House, it is the clear policy of the Government to ensure that, notwithstanding the very difficult economic situation, Garda frontline services are maintained at the highest level possible. In that context the Garda authorities have informed me that adequate resources were in place to deal with the policing of the area referred to by the Deputy on the night in question.