Written answers

Tuesday, 6 March 2012

Department of Justice, Equality and Defence

Garda Deployment

8:00 pm

Photo of Kevin HumphreysKevin Humphreys (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 400: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide a breakdown of the moneys in 2009 to 2011, inclusive, that have been reimbursed to the State under section 30 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005, detailing the name and specific sum from individual sporting fixtures, music concerts, festivals or other events; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12605/12]

Photo of Kevin HumphreysKevin Humphreys (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 401: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if the moneys that have been reimbursed to the State under section 30 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 in respect of sporting fixtures, concerts, festivals and other events cover the actual financial cost of deploying gardaí at those events and if the remit of section 30 needs to be extended to adequately cover all associated policing costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12606/12]

Photo of Alan ShatterAlan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 400 and 401 together.

As I indicated to the Deputy in my reply to Questions Nos. 206 and 207 on 22nd February 2012, the Garda authorities have informed me that Garda records in relation to section 30 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 are not maintained in a format which permits them to readily identify each of the parties from whom payments are received under the section. In that regard they have also indicated that during the years 2009 to 2011 policing services were provided for over 1,800 events. In the circumstances the Deputy will appreciate that the specific information he has sought could not be made available without a substantial and disproportionate use of resources which are required for other Garda purposes.

In so far as section 30 of the 2005 Act is concerned it is the policy of the Garda authorities that the relevant expenses should be recovered. That being said, circumstances will vary in relation to different events and, bearing in mind that public safety will always be the prime consideration for An Garda Síochána, certain costs may arise where recoupment is not sought. This would be the situation, for example, where a helicopter might be deployed as part of the policing arrangements for a major event. I understand that section 30 is generally operating effectively and this is a matter which will be kept under review.

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