asked the Minister for Justice if he has any proposals for the introduction of a light uniform for the use of gardaí during the summer-time.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Garda Uniforms.
28.
The Conroy Commission made a number of recommendations regarding uniforms. The issue of a light-weight uniform was one of them. The commission also recommended that a working party consisting of nominees of the Representative Bodies, the commissioner, and the Departments of Justice and Finance should be established to consider and advise on the general suitability of uniforms and equipment. This will be done as soon as a number of more important matters have been dealt with, having regard to the wishes of the Representative Bodies as to priorities.
Does the Minister expect to accept the recommendation about light uniforms during the summertime and, if so, when will these uniforms be issued?
The Representative Bodies were asked some time ago to list in the order in which they wanted them discussed the comparatively small number of outstanding recommendations of the Conroy Commission. This question of light uniforms was placed by the Representative Bodies very near the end of the list.
Does the Minister not agree that some of the recommendations are relatively straightforward and that the question of light uniforms could be dealt with now?
As I told the Deputy, the Representative Bodies were asked —I do not think we could be fairer than that—to place the remaining matters in the order in which they wished them to be dealt with.
Can we take it from the Minister's reply that he is dealing with them in the order of priority?
In the order of the Representative Bodies priorities.