Posted by Justice Minister: I’m Sorry I gave Incomplete information on Garda Commissioner’s Accommodation in Dublin
05/12/2025
Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan has apologised to Labour’s Alan Kelly for not providing complete information in relation to the remuneration of the former Garda Commissioner, Drew Harris.
It emerged last week that Mr Harris had access to free accommodation for the duration of his time as Garda Commissioner.
Alan Kelly, Labour’s Justice spokesman, had tabled several parliamentary questions over the past six months asking the Department of Justice about the total remuneration package for the current and former Garda Commissioners.
Answers did not include the use of the free accommodation for Mr Harris. The information subsequently emerged at the Public Accounts Committee last week, leading to Mr O’Callaghan apologising for not providing sufficient details when queries were put to the department.
It has also emerged that the property had had renovation works worth €400,000 before Mr Harris moved in.
Speaking in the Dáil on Thursday, Mr O’Callaghan personally apologised to Mr Kelly for the error.
He said: ‘I want to start by apologising to Deputy Kelly. He asked a question on September 23 and asked the same question on October 9.
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