asked the Minister for Justice if he will state the weekly cost of maintaining the Garda protection patrols at Cottage, Ballyhaunis, and at Brize, Claremorris.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cost of Protection Patrols in Mayo.
Mr. Boland
The answer to the question depends partly on the number of Gardaí engaged, which varies considerably from time to time, and partly on whether the pay of these men (which would have to be met in any case) is to be regarded as part of the cost of this particular duty.
Any statement on the matter would therefore require to be based on some particular selected week and on some agreed definition of what is meant by the word "cost". I see no sufficient reason for asking for a report on these lines, as the patrols will have to be continued in any case so long as Garda authorities consider them necessary.