asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware that guards of honour of Garda Síochána personnel were paraded for members of the late Government while they were engaged in party political activities during the recent General Election campaign, and if he will issue instructions to prohibit this happening in future.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Police Guards of Honour.
Guards of honour were paraded during the recent General Election campaign for the Taoiseach, and on two occasions for the Minister for Justice.
The Garda regulations up to the 15th January, 1948, provided for guards of honour for the President, the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste, and the Minister for Justice when visiting places outside Dublin, without distinction as to the purpose of the visits. On the 15th January, 1948, the Commissioner, with the approval of my predecessor in office, issued an instruction to the effect that guards of honour need not be provided for the Tánaiste or the Minister for Justice when these Ministers visit constituencies on political tours, or for election meetings.
The regulations relating to guards of honour are at present under reconsideration.