asked the Minister for Justice if in view of the recurrence of armed bank robberies and especially of the murder last Friday of Garda Richard Fallon in the course of his gallant attempt to apprehend the Arran Quay bank raiders, he will state what further steps the Government propose to take to deal with these armed raids and with other subversive groups or organisations.
Private Notice Question: - Armed Bank Raids.
As the Garda have every hope that persons will be brought to trial for the murder of Garda Fallon, I am satisfied that it would be undesirable for me to make any public statement at this particular time.
Apart from being undesirable, at this point, a statement from me could serve no useful purpose in relation to the specific matter of bank raids. Activities of that kind can be dealt with only by Garda action, and the particular measures to be taken are, primarily, matters for the professional judgment of responsible police officers. These measures may be changed from day to day as circumstances require and, in the interests of security, could not, and should not, be disclosed.
While appreciating what the Minister has said, is he satisfied that the strength in numbers and equipment of the Special Branch is adequate to deal with the recent number of bank raids and other activities of that kind?
I believe that the strength and numbers, when properly disposed under the new assessment that is being made, will be adequate. There is a limit to what the community can afford to pay for this insurance but I think that with the reorganisation by this new body the numbers should be adequate.
I take it both from what the Minister has now said and what the Taoiseach said in his statement on Friday that so far as enforcement of the law is concerned it will be enforced uniformly against any activity of an illegal character?
Certainly.
Would the Minister accept that the community are quite prepared to pay any cost to prevent a recurrence of the tragic events of last Friday and that it would be a mistake to consider there was any unwillingness on the part of the community to pay any costs necessary to afford members of the Garda Síochána the necessary protection in the discharge of their duties?
I was answering Deputy Cosgrave's question about cost in a different context. The unfortunate death that has occured is something—although it occurs very rarely—that happens from time to time and is a policeman's hazard in any country. The question of providing against this is best left in the hands of experienced police officers, to whom I have referred, and they have my full support and the support of the Government in taking any steps that are necessary.