Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if he and his Department have been liaising with the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office regarding the upcoming G8 Summit taking place in June 2013 in County Fermanagh in Northern Ireland; if they have requested any assistance or help with the event taking place; if any actions by his Department will be taken as a result of the summit occurring in Northern Ireland; if there are any costs involved with any operations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16946/13]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The British Government's decision to host the G8 Summit in Enniskillen in June of this year is a very welcome one and a clear recognition of the capacity for Northern Ireland to host such a high profile, international event. Naturally, policing and security will be an important element of the planning for this event.

I have made the point repeatedly that co-operation between the Garda Síochána and the PSNI is excellent. That will continue to be the case and that relationship will make planning for the G8 Summit all the more comprehensive and effective. Of course, the House will appreciate that it would be inappropriate for me to comment on the detail of the policing and security arrangements for this event.

Nevertheless, officials in my Department have met with and maintain contact with their counterparts in Northern Ireland in this regard. I am informed by the Garda authorities that they are in consultation with the PSNI with regard to the policing and security arrangements which are required to be put in place for the G8 Summit.

It is not possible at this stage to estimate reliably the additional costs arising in this jurisdiction.