State Visits

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 June 2012

Wednesday, 20 June 2012

Ceisteanna (37)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

35 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide a detailed breakdown of the visits to the State which took place in 2009, 2010 and 2011 by foreign delegations which require the State to provide security services; if he will advise the protocol on visits by foreign delegations in respect of which party bears the cost of providing security services and the circumstances under which the costs are shared or borne equally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29710/12]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the number of visits by individuals or delegations during the years in question where security was provided by An Garda Síochána is as follows:

Year	Number of Visits
2009	207
2010	215
2011	169

While it would not be appropriate for me to comment in detail on the security arrangements for such visits I can say the Gardaí carry out a threat and risk assessment to determine the appropriate level of security to be provided for the duration of such visits. The costs of security measures for these visits are borne by An Garda Síochána on behalf of the State, as host. This is the normal practice and where security measures are necessary for Irish dignitaries making visits to other states, the host state bears the cost.