EU Presidency.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 July 2004

Thursday, 8 July 2004

Ceisteanna (286)

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

280 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will provide an estimate of the policing cost incurred as a result of the May Day weekend 2004, the Presidency of the European Union and the recent visit of President Bush; the amount of additional costs incurred in respect of these events as compared with the estimates for 2004; the impact these additional costs will have on Garda activities for the remainder of 2004, including its impact on the amount available for Garda overtime for the remainder of 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20907/04]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the complete cost of the policing and security workload associated with our hosting of the EU Presidency this year, including the EU ceremony on enlargement during the May Day weekend and the EU-US summit is not yet available. A full costing will be made in respect of these security operations when all expenditure returns are received and collated.