asked the Minister for Justice the arrangements that exist for the finding and recovery of bodies in rivers and at sea; if he will establish a full-time unit within the Garda force whose professional task will be centred on such important work and whose remuneration will be commensurate with its importance; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Recovery of Bodies.
2.
The official functions of the Garda Siochána are related to the prevention and detection of crime and accordingly they have no responsibility for the finding or recovery of bodies from rivers or the sea except in cases where foul play may be suspected. In practice, however, on humanitarian grounds, members of the Garda Siochána, and in particular members of the sub-aqua unit, engage in work of this kind outside the demands of duty, but of course the extent to which this can be done is governed by the resources available and by the facts of each case, including the prospects of a search being successful.
The Garda Sub-Aqua Unit are a part-time unit attached to Garda Headquarters and the Garda authorities do not consider that the establishment of a full-time unit would be justified having regard to the number of underwater searches that arise. Members are paid allowances when engaged on diving duties and any question of the adequacy of this allowance is a matter to be determined through the ordinary channels.
I am sure the Minister appreciates the hardship caused by drowning tragedies. Is he aware that there is not a full-time Government-sponsored body of men to attend to the recovery of bodies? Since the sub-aqua unit have done such excellent work and have not been properly paid for it, would he not consider giving the Garda Siochána full responsibility for the recovery of bodies from lakes and rivers and from seas around the coast on humanitarian grounds and to ensure that there would be a full-time group to do this work?
I accept that any loss of life is a tragedy, but whether there should be a full-time Garda unit to search for persons lost in this manner is a matter that does not come within my responsibility in the strict sense. I would be prepared to discuss with other Government colleagues who have certain responsibilities in this area the need for the establishment of a full-time unit but not necessarily a full-time unit within the Garda Siochána.
I appreciate the Minister's legal position but I failed to find any authority, local or otherwise, who would accept responsibility for the recovery of bodies. That is most unfortunate, especially when people encounter such a tragedy. Would the Minister consider in his negotiations with his colleagues trying to come to a conclusion that will allow for the establishment of a proper full-time unit charged with responsibility for recovering bodies?
The Garda authorities do not believe that there is a need for the establishment of a full-time unit at present having regard to the number of searches that have been carried out. I should like to tell the Deputy that 28 searches were carried out last year, 28 the previous year and 25 in 1976. The Garda Sub-Aqua Unit at full strength consists of one sergeant and 12 men. The Deputy can see, because of the small number of searches, why the authorities believe that there is not a need for a full-time unit.
Does the Minister agree that when we have a tragedy like that which occurred at Whiddy Island we lack the resources to carry out proper searches?
A tragedy is a tragedy whether it is as a result of drowning or anything else. I am not sure that even if we had 12 sub-aqua units they would have been of any assistance at Bantry.
It is wrong that we do not have even one full-time unit of that type.
I am sure the Deputy will agree that the Garda authorities are the best people to assess the need in this regard and they say that there is not justification for a full-time unit. I am prepared to discuss this with other Ministers who may have responsibility in this area. Whatever merit may be in the Deputy's suggestion will be fully examined.
Will the Minister communicate with me at the conclusion of those discussions?
I will.