asked the Minister for Justice if the Special Detective Branch is divided into any subdivisions; if so, what they are; the number of men attached to each; and the cost of each subdivision in the past three years.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Special Detective Branch.
71.
The Garda Síochána is a uniformed force with provision for members who carry out detective duties in plain clothes. It would be contrary to established practice and it would not be in the public interest to give information as to the way in which the discharge of detective duties is organised or the numbers who may be engaged on those duties.
Surely the House is entitled to some information as to the existence of the political section of the Special Branch and its purpose?
I have given the answer that the Garda Síochána is a uniformed force with provision for members who carry out detective duties in plain clothes. That is the position, as the Deputy and everyone else well knows. If what is worrying Deputy Flanagan is the wars between the five Fine Gael parties I can guarantee personal protection.
(Interruptions.)
If the Minister protects the Taoiseach from Deputy Blaney he will have enough to do.
Surely we are entitled to know the total number of persons involved?
It would be against the public interest and helpful to certain elements to indicate the numbers engaged on the different detective duties.