asked the Minister for Justice if he has received complaints concerning the allocation of duties of the members of the Garda Síochána at Mount Bolus, Tullamore, Offaly; and, if so, what action, if any, has been taken by the Commissioner on the complaints received.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Mount Bolus Gardaí.
I have not received any complaints and I should like to make it clear to the Deputy that the allocation of duties amongst members of the Garda Síochána is a matter for the Commissioner and his officers with which I would not interfere.
Does the Minister not recollect the deputation which I brought to his office with a series of serious complaints concerning the duties allocated to the Gardaí in that area, and can the Minister indicate to the House whether it is part of the duties allocated to the Gardaí to dictate to and order the citizens in the Garda district as to what shop they should purchase their goods in?
That is not part of their duty.
It is part of the duty which the sergeant in Mount Bolus allocates because he will not get "tick" in particular shops.
Will the Minister say if there is a regulation which prohibits members of the Garda Síochána from bringing complaints concerning their duties and conditions to Dáil Deputies?
There is.
Does the Minister propose to do anything about that?
There is not any substantiation of one word of this. I do not know where Deputy Flanagan has got the information. There has been no substantiation on investigation by the Commissioner.
Can the Minister investigate complaints——
The Minister is not an investigating officer. The Commissioner is. The Minister brought it to the notice of the Commissioner and that is all the Minister can do.
Did the Commissioner not acknowledge these complaints? If not, he should be fired.
Lots of people should be fired.
He should get the same treatment as Mr. Quinlan got.