Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 October 2016
37. Deputy John Brady asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the cost to the taxpayer of Garda resources used outside Leinster House, including Garda presence and barriers, on budget day, 11 October 2016; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31024/16]
View answerAs the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is the accounting officer for an Garda Síochána with responsibility for the allocation of Garda resources and I, as Minister, have no direct role in these matters.
I have requested the Garda authorities to provide information referred to by the Deputy and will revert to him when it is to hand.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 42A
As the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is the accounting officer for An Garda Síochána with responsibility for the allocation of Garda resources and I, as Minister, have no direct role in these matters.
I have been advised by the Garda authorities that they are not in a position to provide the information as requested as it would require a disproportionate amount of Garda time and resources to collate the data requested. I understand that this operation formed part of the regular policing duties in the area on the date in question, and was not considered a distinct operation for the purpose of calculating costs. However, local Garda Management is satisfied that adequate and appropriate measures andGarda resources were deployed on the day to ensure the safety of the public during this event.
