Garda Deployment

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 April 2012

Wednesday, 18 April 2012

Questions (978)

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

991 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if the full cost of policing sporting events including association football, rugby football and GAA matches are paid for by the sporting organisation hosting the event; if not, if he will outline the percentage of the cost of policing sporting events that is paid for by the organisation involved; if he will indicate the average cost for policing a sporting event; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18502/12]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

Section 30 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 provides a statutory basis for the Garda Commissioner to charge for police services on a non-public duty basis for commercial events such as sports fixtures and concerts.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that Garda records in relation to sporting fixtures are not maintained in a format which provides a breakdown of the costs incurred in policing these events. I am further informed that the extraction of such data would require a significant and disproportionate use of Garda resources.

I am further informed that the cost to the event holder is determined by the number of Gardaí deployed at a particular event. The operational policing plan for a particular event is formulated by local operational management and An Garda Síochána does not recover the full cost of policing such events.

Question No. 992 answered with Question No. 986.