Parliamentary Question to the Minister for Justice and Equality

To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if any consultation process occurred between his Department and the British Government prior to the announcement of the G8 summit in Enniskillen in relation to the requirement for extra security forces; if there will be extra security required in Irish airports and on the border in the run up and during the G8 Summit in 2013; the locations from which resources will be taken in respect of this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Reply Minister for Justice and Equality Alan Shatter T.D.

Let me say at the outset that the decision to host the G8 Summit in Enniskillen next year is a matter entirely for the host Government to make and would not involve prior consultation with my Department.   Having said that, I welcome the fact that it is a clear recognition of the capacity for Northern Ireland to host such a high profile event.   Naturally, security will be an important element of the planning for this event.   I have said on many occasions since taking office of Minister that cooperation between An Garda Síochána and the PSNI is excellent.   That will continue to be the case and will make security planning all the more comprehensive and effective.

Of course the Deputy will appreciate that it would be inappropriate for me to comment on the detail of policing arrangements for this event.

Nevertheless, I am informed by the Garda authorities that they are in consultation with the PSNI on security arrangements required to be put in place to police the G8 Summit on both sides of the border.