asked the Minister for Justice if he will state whether it is a fact that a new armed force is being organised by the Government; and if so whether he will give the Dáil particulars of this new force; and state for what purpose and under what statutory authority it is being organised.
Private Notice Question. - Recruitment of Additional Gárdai.
The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative and the other parts, therefore, do not, in strictness, arise.
I may say, however, that the position is as follows:—
No recruiting for the Gárda Síochána has taken place since February, 1932. The strength of the force has consequently been reduced by the ordinary process of deaths, retirements, etc. In view of recent developments in the country and in view of the fact that public buildings were considered to be inadequately protected, permission was given to the Commissioner to reopen recruiting for the Gárda. As regards the question of arms, the ordinary practice is being followed. The men will carry arms when it is considered that the duty on which they are engaged renders it necessary or advisable that they should be armed.
Might I ask the Minister if the Commissioner has selected these men according to the regulations of the Gárda code; if the Commissioner was the person who selected them?
The Commissioner is recruiting this force. The Commissioner has the selection of this force and the Deputy may be assured that precedent, at any rate, will be followed.
Is it perfectly inaccurate then to state, as has been stated, that a Deputy of this House selected a number of persons who are being brought in?
I have not made any such statement.
It has been stated in the public Press, as the Minister no doubt is aware. Is that incorrect? Have the provisions of the Gárda code been followed out as to the age, qualifications, recommendations as to character from the Chief Superintendent, and the other recommendations laid down in the Gárda code? How many have been recruited up to the present?
I cannot give particulars at present as to the exact number, but the Deputy may be assured that the number permitted under the Police (Amalgamation) Act, 1925, is not going to be exceeded. I am not responsible for statements appearing in the Press. The Commissioner, as I stated, is entirely responsible for recruiting the force.
I did not say the Minister was responsible, but I asked if the statement which appeared in the public Press, that a Deputy of this House had the selection of the men, is or is not true.
What are the recent developments which have influenced this new move?
A Deputy
Rip Van Winkle.
Will the Minister object to saying, roughly, how many recruits it is proposed to take on in this connection?
There is a deficiency of 465 and I have stated that that will not be exceeded.
Will that deficiency be completely filled up?
I am not prepared to state that.
Does the Minister think it was fair not to mention the intention of the Government in this respect a week ago when we were asked to agree to a reduction in the pay of the present force for the purpose of saving £35,000?
With regard to the danger apprehended to public buildings, would it not be cheaper to have supper jamborees held elsewhere?
I should like to ask the Minister whether the age limits which applied prior to this will apply in this particular case to the recruits? The age limits, I thinks, were from 19 to 27 years.
I have stated to Deputy Fitzgerald-Kenney that the precedent which has been established by the previous Commissioner in somewhat similar circumstances is being followed in this case.
I want to know if what is definitely laid down in the Gárda code is going to be followed.
Surely I could not make a mistake if I did what you did?
You could not if you follow out what is in the Gárda code. I again ask the Minister is the statement that has appeared in the public Press, that these recruits have been selected or are being selected by a Deputy of this House, true or untrue?
I am quite sure that there are any number of applications from Deputies recommending this, that and the other person.
That is not an answer to the question. I again put my question: Did a Deputy of this House select these persons who are to be taken on as recruits?
May I ask the Minister whether in this case recruiting is confined to the Dublin area or is it open to the Free State generally?
It is open to the Free State.