Garda Commissioner Unaware of Senior Officer's Stay at Westbury Hotel During Biden Visit

The Garda Commissioner stated that he was unaware of a chief superintendent staying at the Westbury Hotel during American President Joe Biden's visit, despite the officer living in Dublin. Commissioner Drew Harris mentioned that he would investigate the allegation raised by Labour TD Eoghan Kenny.

During a discussion on public finances at An Garda Síochána, Mr. Kenny revealed complaints about a senior officer and his wife staying at the hotel during President Biden's visit in April 2023. Commissioner Harris disclosed that Garda members accrued €22m in overtime during the visit, out of a total budget of €32m.

Chief corporate officer Siobhán Toale highlighted the challenge of attracting candidates as the main obstacle to Garda retention. Despite efforts to recruit more members, the force's membership has remained around 14,000, falling short of the target of over 15,000.

Commissioner Harris also discussed the shooting incident at a Carlow shopping centre, where 22-year-old Evan Fitzgerald took his own life. The origin of the firearms found with Fitzgerald is still unknown, with one shotgun being legally owned and stolen, while the source of a second shotgun and a replica firearm remains unclear.

Deputy Commissioner Justin Kelly defended the tactic of controlled delivery, explaining that it is a recognized policing strategy to intercept illegal activities.

According to the source: Irish Examiner.