asked the Minister for Justice if he will state in connection with the High Court on circuit in Roscommon on 19th October, 1960, (1) the total number of Gardaí assigned to guard of honour duties, and (2) the total cost to the State of the provision of this guard of honour.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Judge's Guard of Honour.
15.
The Guard of Honour consisted of one Superintendent, 2 sergeants and 12 Gardaí. The performance of this duty involved the expenditure of £3. 19s. 7d. in respect of travelling expenses and subsistence allowance.
In view of the fact that one Superintendent, two Sergeants and 12 members of the Garda were brought in from surrounding stations, distances of 10 to 12 miles away, and were there for the ceremony at 11 o'clock, spent the rest of the day with no other duties and came back at 5 o'clock to bid goodbye to the Judge, does the Minister really suggest that the total expense involved in this ceremonial performance is only £3 19s. 17d.?
Yes. I would not give the Deputy the figure if it were not accurate. The expenses consisted in the main of transport costs and, from the subsistence point of view, the allowances amounted merely to 19/-.
I think the Minister misunderstood me. In view of the fact that the members of the Garda and the Sergeants also would normally be occupied on other important duties in the surrounding areas such as Strokestown and Ballintubber and other barracks, surely the cost of their time in Roscommon all day for no other purpose than to form a guard of honour should be taken into consideration?
They were the personnel available and because they were the only personnel available they were used. My personal opinion—I do not know whether the Deputy agrees with it or not—is that as a State we do not avail sufficiently of occasions of this kind.
Hear, hear!
Surely a High Court Judge visiting a town like Roscommon is entitled to a simple guard of honour of this type? Simple as it is I think it lends dignity and majesty to the law and must impress the people.
I am glad the Minister used the word "impress". Is this whole business, this ceremonial performance, not a relic of former times?
No.
(Interruptions.)
That does not arise.