asked the Minister for Justice if he will state (a) the number of members of the Garda Síochána employed on patrol duty during the recent milk strike, (b) the number of patrol cars employed during the recent milk strike, and (c) the estimated cost of the patrol duty carried out by members of the Garda Síochána during the recent milk strike.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Milk Strike Patrol Duties.
Mr. Boland
I regret that I cannot see my way to supply the information asked for as its compilation would entail an amount of labour that would, in my opinion, be wholly disproportionate to its possible value or interest to the public.
The Exchequer was put to no extra expense in respect of the provision of additional patrols except to the extent by which the running expenses of motor patrols and escorts were augmented as a result of the increased travelling necessitated by the exigencies of the situation. Some trifling expenses were incurred in connection with the temporary transfer of a small number of Gardaí to the affected areas.
Is it the Vote of the Minister for Justice or that of the Minister for Defence which bears the cost of the Army vehicles which were taken over by the Gardaí in that period?
Mr. Boland
I cannot say. We got a loan of some of those cars.
Unfortunately, at least one of them got broken up.