asked the Minister for Justice if he will increase the Garda Síochána dog unit in Dublin.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Garda Dog Unit.
17.
I am informed by the Commissioner, Garda Síochána, that the number of dogs now available is adequate for requirements. I am not in a position to say whether at any future date, there will be an increase in the number; I believe that details of this kind are best left to the judgment of the Commissioner and his officers.
Could the Minister tell me how many dogs are in the service at the moment?
At the moment I understand that there are five alsatians and one labrador, the labrador being attached to the Drug Squad.
Does this show an increase of one dog since the scheme was introduced by the Minister's predecessor.
I do not know how many dogs were originally used. This matter was raised last May. We had a question about it then.
I am trying to find out if the Minister has done anything about this over the last six months?
No. If that was the point of the Deputy's supplementary question, he should have phrased his question in that manner. I rely on the professional judgment of the Commissioner and his officers on such subjects.
The Minister is not very concerned about it. It would seem from his reply that he just lets the matter go on.
I try at all times to ensure that the Garda morale is kept up to scratch. One way to do this is to rely on the Garda where their professional judgment is involved. I would deem it improper for me to interfere in what is a technical area.
Surely the Minister should communicate with the Garda authorities. Has he done that? Has he been advised that the dog force is sufficient in the Dublin area?
I am saying that the Garda or their officers have not advised me that they want the numbers of the dog force increased. As soon as they tell me they want the numbers increased, that will be done.
I have no doubt that Deputy Lemass is asking about extra policing. Might I ask the Minister as a result of his directions and the Government's acquiesence that the number of gardaí on 24-hour duty——
That is a separate matter. The question under discussion refers to the numbers in the dog force of the Garda.
I deprecate any Deputy suggesting that any action of the Garda——
For God's sake— seven stops between here and Donegal last Friday, and none in the Six Counties.
(Interruptions.)