asked the Minister for Justice if his attention has been drawn to a press report (details supplied) indicating the dissatisfaction of Garda in Waterford with the quality of equipment available to them in their fight against crime, the need for a permanent technician to service this equipment and for additional transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Waterford Garda Equipment.
145.
The details of the press report supplied by the Deputy refer to the country edition of a morning newspaper of 7 November but I have been unable to trace any reference in it to the matters mentioned in the question. However, there were reports on these matters in an evening newspaper of 5 and 6 November and I am assuming that these are what the Deputy intended to refer to.
While I am prepared on this occasion to deal with the particular criticisms mentioned in the reports in question, I would in general like to say that I do not think it right or reasonable to expect me to respond to criticisms that are voiced publicly in relation to Garda matters by unidentified members of the force. I believe that it is not in the national interest or in the interests of the force itself that members' complaints about the internal workings of the Garda organisation should be expressed through the media instead of through the proper official channels. I would ask Deputies to bear in mind that, by taking cognisance of representations and complaints made anonymously by members of the force, they are, apart from anything else, undermining the position of the staff associations that have been constituted in accordance with law to take up these matters.
The particular criticisms mentioned in the Question related to radio equipment and transport.
So far as radio equipment is concerned, it is recognised that the existing Garda radio system is in need of improvement and, as I have already indicated publicly, plans to provide the force with a completely new national radio/ communications service, as modern as any in Europe, are well advanced. The new system is designed to improve Garda communications in all areas and installation of the system is expected to commence about the middle of next year. Plans are also well advanced for improving the servicing of communications equipment throughout the country.
As regards Garda transport, I am informed by the Garda authorities that a van was allocated to Waterford city recently to supplement the transport already based there and that the transport requirements of the city and of the Waterford/Kilkenny Division generally are being kept under review. I am furthermore assured by the Garda authorities that the allegation that only one patrol car in Waterford city is in working order is without foundation; that, in fact, all but one of the cars is good repair and that the one exception is due to be replaced next week.