Already stretched garda budgets must not be used to pay for the recent visit of US president Donald Trump and the planned upcoming visit of his vice-president Mike Pence, Fianna Fáil has warned. Last week, the Irish Examiner revealed the €10m-€12m cost of garda work during Mr Trump’s visit to Doonbeg in Co Clare last month has led to fears vital services will be put in “jeopardy”. However, noting the potential impact of the costs, Mr O’Callaghan said the Government must find alternative ways to pay for the protection instead of cutting existing garda budgets. “Funding for vital projects within An Garda Síochána has been diverted to cover costs incurred by the recent visit of US president Donald Trump,” said Mr O’Callaghan. With a proposed visit by the US vice-president expected in September, we cannot allow further funding to be diverted from garda resources.

Source: Irish Examiner July 16, 2019 06:00 UTC