That's a lot of coke and hookers.

[philipkntz]

20 Million?! That's what they are putting the cost of the popes visit. I just can't see how they justify that. The guy doesn't want any fuss or fancy hotels.
They do keep sticking their heads into our business, so I was thinking that as we have plenty of foreign travel experts on here, can anyone figure out how it is costing so much to bring a single guy into this country and how do poor countries manage?

[SteveB]

20 Million?! That's what they are putting the cost of the popes visit. I just can't see how they justify that. The guy doesn't want any fuss or fancy hotels.
They do keep sticking their heads into our business, so I was thinking that as we have plenty of foreign travel experts on here, can anyone figure out how it is costing so much to bring a single guy into this country and how do poor countries manage?

Can the God bloke not just pay for it? He must have a few quid stashed away.

[philipkntz]

It's an obscene waste of money that could be better spent in the health service or housing homeless people.

[philipkntz]

#fakenews

I guess no-one watched the Claire Byrne show last night?

The €20 million is being collected privately. Norah Casey (of Dragon's Den fame) is involved in fund raising for it.
Naturally it will still cost the State some money with Garda resources and whatever else but the tax payer won't be paying the €20 million.

No I didn't see the show, might get a chance to later. I'm not particularly interested in how the money is raised but do they mention how the plan to spend it? How can I get my hands on a few thou? And if this money can be raised for the pope visit, why is it so difficult to raise funds for a good cause?