Security systems at Dublin property where Drew Harris lived cost €212,000

Security systems at the house in the Phoenix Park where former Garda Commissioner Drew Harris lived during his time in the role cost €212,000 and there was an annual monitoring charge of €2,500 on the property, the Dáil has heard.

Responding to questions from Labour's Alan Kelly, the Minister for Justice said An Garda Síochána covered the monthly rent of €1,800 for Mr Harris, but he did pay benefit in kind on this.

Last week, the OPW told a Dáil committee that it had spent €400,000 refurbishing the home in advance of Mr Harris going to live there.

The property was leased to An Garda Síochána between 2017 to 2025 and the rent stayed the same during these years.

OPW Chairman John Conlon confirmed to the Public Accounts Committee that An Garda Síochána paid the rent for the property on the Spa Road directly to the OPW.

The rent for the property was around €21,000 a year, Mr Conlon said.

Speaking in the Dáil this morning, Minister Jim O'Callaghan rejected Mr Kelly's contention that the rent payment was hidden for seven years by pointing out that there was coverage of this allowance in newspapers prior to the post being advertised.

The minister said that Mr Harris did not take up the option of joining the public service pension scheme, which resulted in a considerable financial gain to the State.