Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
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884. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 46 of 1 June 2017, the details of the moneys recouped by policing services for policing at events in County Donegal in 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28865/17]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy is aware, in accordance with Section 30 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005, at the request of a person or commercial entity, the Garda Commissioner may provide and charge for police services for events on private property or in areas open to the public. The objective in charging for police services is to recover the cost of providing the service.

In addition, I understand that Section 231(4)(j) of the Planning and Development Act 2000 permits the collection of policing costs with regard to events that require local authority licenses under the terms of the Act.

I have been informed by the Garda authorities that they seek the recovery of policing costs associated with commercial events that have been organised with the objective of making a financial gain and without specific community or charitable benefit.

However, An Garda Síochána does not seek to recover its costs for charitable events or for statutory national public events such as policing the St. Patrick’s Day parade as these duties are funded by the public purse. Charitable events relate to events organised with the objective of providing a charitable service to the community.

I am informed by the Commissioner that the table below outlines the amount of money recouped by An Garda Síochána for the provision of security services and the policing of sporting and other events in County Donegal in 2016.