In response to questions from Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Justice, Equality and Defence Dara Calleary TD in the Dáil today, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence Alan Shatter TD confirmed that it cost €1.1 million to deploy the Defence Forces for Queen Elizabeth’s visit last week, while the Defence Forces’ involvement in President’s Obama’s visit yesterday cost €600,000.
 
Commenting on the figures, Deputy Calleary said, “In cooperation with the Gardaí, the Defence Forces played a key role in the complex security operations required for these historic visits. Both visits involved a great deal of planning and intelligence gathering, as well as extensive security and ceremonial duties throughout events of last week.
 
“The members of the Defence Forces carried out their duties in an extremely thorough and honourable fashion. Along with the Gardaí, they contributed enormously to ensuring that these events were a positive experience for all. The State funding spent on their involvement represents good value for money in my view, and I wish to pay tribute to them for their hard work and professionalism.”
 
The Minister also stated to Deputy Calleary that he did not envisage a need for an additional allocation for the defence forces to cover these costs.