With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 133 to 137, inclusive, together.
The recent incidents in Dublin to which reference is made in the questions are under investigation by the Garda and, as I have pointed out on previous occasions, it is not open to me to make statements about the progress of Garda investigations.
The number of bomb threats reported to the Garda in the Dublin Metropolitan Area in the period from 1st June to 23rd October, 1972, was 108 as compared with 132 in the corresponding period in the preceding year. The figures for the rest of the country were 16 and 13, respectively.
Training in bomb detection for the Garda is not practicable and the services of Army experts are available for the handling of any explosive devices that may be found.
The Garda say that there has been an excellent response from the public in so far as keeping a special watch on business premises for incendiary or other destructive devices is concerned and in Dublin there is a liaison between the Garda, the Dublin Fire Brigade and the Army in the matter.