asked the Minister for Justice the present position regarding the disposal of used Garda uniforms.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Garda Uniform Disposal.
9.
Mr. Kitt
If the Deputy is concerned lest security be endangered by the practice of auctioning worn Garda uniforms, let me explain that caps, buttons and insignia are not sold and that the uniforms as disposed of are practically indistinguishable from several other types of uniform. Accordingly, their sale is not regarded by the Garda authorities as involving any security risk whatsoever. This was explained in an official Press release from Garda Headquarters in September, 1974.
It so happens, however, that, because of selling costs, the system whereby worn uniforms are auctioned does not at present produce a net gain to the Exchequer and it has been decided to discontinue it, for the time being at any rate.
Mr. Kitt
Is the Minister saying that if these used Garda uniforms did not get into the wrong hands there would be no danger to the security of the State?
I am satisfied that the practice in the past of selling these uniforms when they have been stripped of all types of insignia and buttons does not constitute a danger to the security of the State.
Does the Minister suggest that these old uniforms are no longer on public sale?
Yes, I am saying that the previous practice of auctioning them has been discontinued, for the time being at any rate.
Could the Minister say why the previous practice of auctioning these uniforms has been discontinued if there was no danger?
What I said in my reply to the question, if the Deputy had been listening, was that it was unprofitable.
Could I ask the Minister what does he indicate from the term "into the wrong hands" in so far as these stripped-down uniforms which have been on sale are concerned? Furthermore, if these are no longer on sale how is it that uniforms of other forces, not only Irish forces but foreign forces, are in fact available in public market places without any let or hindrance?
I did not say anything about wrong hands. Deputy Kitt used that expression. I merely said the sale of these old uniforms was not a matter of concern from the point of view of security.