€1M for secret Harris house

Claims spend on Garda boss was 'hidden'

- BY CIARA O'LOUGHLIN Political Correspondent

AROUND €1million of taxpayers' money was spent on secret accommodation and security for the former Garda Commissioner Drew Harris.

Responding to questions from Labour TD Alan Kelly in the Dail, Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan confirmed that An Garda Siochana paid for Mr Harris' rent, which was €1,800 a month.

This comes after the Office of Public Works told a Dail committee last week that it spent €400,000 refurbishing the property in the Phoenix Park.

The Dail heard yesterday that on top of this, security systems at the house cost €212,000 during Mr Harris' time in the role between 2017 and 2025. There was also an annual monitoring charge of €2,500 on the property.