As the Deputy will be aware from my previous reply on this matter, my Department has been working with the Chief State Solicitor’s Office (CSSO) on this matter since October 2024. The CSSO is the principal provider of solicitor services to the Attorney General and government, providing advisory, litigation and transactional services to Government Departments and offices. The use of a private security contractor was necessary to assist with the implementation of an agreed legal process to address the issues with illegal encampments.
To date the amount which has been paid to the private security company is €10,490 excluding VAT.