asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware of the very serious hardships and inconveniences caused to many members of the gardaí who were called on to do emergency duty in Dublin on or about 18th August last and who are still away from their stations and wives and families; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Garda Emergency Duty.
22.
Temporary transfers of gardaí for duty occur as a normal practice incidental to terms of service. It is not correct to say, however, that the recent tranfers to Dublin created hardships for many gardaí on the grounds stated by the Deputy.
Of the total number of members involved in these transfers, less than 5 per cent are married, and one-half of these have already been returned to their permanent stations.
Is the Minister so out of touch with the position that he is not aware of the serious unrest among members of the Garda Síochána by reason of being drafted from the three corners of the country into Dublin at great expense and inconvenience to themselves?
I am not so aware. It is part of the work of the garda to be transferred temporarily from place to place. This allegation is silly.
Does the Minister not consider it highly advisable in the circumstances to issue a communication to, say, each superintendent's area to inquire from the members of the Garda Síochána if they would be prepared to come to Dublin and, by that method, receive the co-operation of people who would not mind coming to Dublin instead of drafting members in against their wishes?
I suppose the Deputy would ask me to come down and ask a garda to please come and investigate an accident.