Vol. 563 No. 4
111 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if projected costs have been estimated in relation to the Government's decision to host the European competitiveness summit of the World Economic Forum in Dublin in October 2003 in view of the heavy security and other costs which have arisen in other countries hosting such events. [8081/03]
The Deputy will already be aware from my response to his question of 6 March that, in the absence of detailed information regarding the number of delegates attending, venues and hotels to be used in connection with the European competitiveness summit, it is difficult to provide a definitive estimate as to the costs. However, the main direct costs will relate to the cost to the State of hosting a gala dinner for summit participants and security costs outside the summit venue. We estimate the dinner might cost in the region of €50,000.
Is the contract going out to tender?
I have no problem with a dinner. It is appropriate to entertain guests in such a manner. I welcome such a major conference. However, these gatherings can be a flashpoint for protesters. I am happy with normal, peaceful protest as part of our democratic system but there is a group of international anarchists which travels from one country to another, whose sole objective is to create mayhem. Has any consideration been given to the possibility that something might arise and the cost of security which can arise from the attraction of such anarchists to our shores?
God forbid. Does the Tánaiste agree that the policies she and her Government avow, concentrating on competitiveness, symbolise the Washington consensus approach to economic development, which is the focal point of criticism at so many of these demonstrations? Does she agree that the Taoiseach was perhaps correct at the weekend when he said at the world summit that he was suspicious of the single application of something like the Washington consensus on economic matters? Would she further agree that her obsession with the opening of markets and competitiveness is seen by people around the world as a failed economic model?
Occasionally, anarchists get elected, so I am not sure we can keep them away from everywhere we would want to. It is perhaps subjective to define who is an anarchist and who is not.
I disagree that the policies we espouse have failed. The contrary is the case – the centralised planned economy is the one that has failed and crumbled. The manner in which many of the applicant countries to the EU have embraced the market economy has been impressive and successful from their point of view.
Inclusiveness is part of the agenda for the gathering in Dublin and we hope that, in addition to people from the business, academic and political worlds, we will also have people that represent a perspective that is not always reflected at these gatherings.
I thank the Tánaiste for her response. I am concerned that consideration is given to the possibility that such a meeting would attract international anarchists and that the necessary preparations are made to deal with any situation arising. I do not know how many people are to attend but, if the cost of the dinner is €50,000, I assume it will be quite a gathering.
That is an expensive dinner.
Some two hundred or so people will attend. The Garda Síochána is well aware of the security implications and my Department has been in constant contact with the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform on the security implications. The security will be proportionate to the needs on the occasion but I hope it will not dominate the event instead of the agenda that will be discussed.
Written Answers follow Adjournment Debate.
