John O'Donoghue
Ceist:12 Mr. O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Justice the cost to her Department of Border security for each of the financial years from 1969 to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2702/95]
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Border Security Costs.
As indicated in reply to Question No. 8 on 18 May 1994, the costs associated with Border security are not compiled separately and the allocation of Garda resources to the task of compiling them would not be warranted. However, it is estimated that as far as the Votes administered by my Department are concerned, the total additional security costs in 1994 arising from the situation in Northern Ireland was about £87.9 million. The estimated cumulative cost to the Votes concerned since 1969 amounts to £984 million.
Will additional resources be available to the Department in 1995 as a result of the peace process? Will it be better off by £87 million? If so, will it be used in the battle against crime?
The Deputy's question is essentially statistical therefore matters of policy ought not arise.
The Deputy has strayed again.
At least he is on a leash.
Is the Deputy at the other end?
I wonder who the handler is over there. Approximately £71.8 million of the security-related costs on the Border relate to the Garda Síochána. The deployment of gardaí is a matter for the Garda Commissioner but I hope that in the coming months with the consolidation of the peace process there will be worthwhile changes to allow resources to be made available in areas of most need.