Clare Daly (Dublin North, United Left)
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179. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality to set down the cost of Garda Síochána hours relating to the installation of water meters and water charges protests. [35616/15]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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The Garda Commissioner is the Accounting Officer for the Garda Vote and in accordance with her functions under section 26 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 she may direct members of An Garda Síochána as they may be required to attend scenes of public protest, such as water charges protests or the installation of water meters, in order to facilitate the holding of such protests and, if needed, to preserve peace and public order and to facilitate persons going about their lawful business.

In that context I am informed by the Garda authorities that the costs associated with the policing of such protests are not recorded at the level of detail required to separate them from other similar costs.