Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 September 2024
501. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 1553 of 23 July 2024, if she has received the necessary information from the Garda authorities in order for this PQ to be answered; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36374/24]
View answerI understand that Parliamentary Question No. 1553 of 23 July 2024 sought “the full breakdown of the Garda costs incurred during the visit of the US president to Ireland in April 2023.”
As you will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána. This includes all operation protocols and security arrangements and their associated costs. As Minister I have no role in these matters.
As you will appreciate, high level visits to Ireland are of significant importance in the development and maintenance of our relations with other States. Such visits are to be welcomed and offer important opportunities to us, as a small outward-looking State, for positive engagement with partners.
In terms of the costs associated with the visit to Ireland of President Biden, you will appreciate that there is an obligation on the State to take appropriate measures to ensure the safety of every visiting dignitary, in line with risk assessment. Similar measures and courtesies are as a matter of course also extended to Ireland, when the President and members of Government travel on official visits to other States.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that a cost of €31.86 million is recorded as incurred by An Garda Síochána in relation to the visit of the US President in April 2023 to Ireland. A breakdown of this figure is provided below:
|
Overtime |
Employer PRSI |
Unsocial Allowances |
Travel & Sub |
Other Expenses |
Total |
|
22.2 |
2.41 |
1.87 |
1.01 |
4.37 |
31.86 |
To note, figures are in millions of euro. Information supplied is operational and subject to change.
