Vol. 404 No. 6
57 Mr. McCartan asked the Minister for Justice when the promised new additions to the Garda uniform will be made available; the reasons for the delay in providing same; if his attention has been drawn to complaints regarding the material used in the current uniform; if he will permit the use of open-necked shirts in summer months as requested by the Garda Representative Association; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
131 Mr. S. Barrett asked the Minister for Justice when members of the Garda Síochána will be issued with the new additions to the Garda uniform; if he has any proposals to improve the quality of the existing uniform; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 57 and 131 together.
I do not accept that there has been any delay in issuing the proposed new Garda sweaters and patrol suits to the force. I gave my approval for the introduction of these new items on 10 December 1990 and it is expected that the Government Supplies Agency who purchase uniforms for the public service will be in a position to invite tenders this month. It is not expected that there should be any undue delay in securing a supply of the items being sought.
I am aware that complaints about the material used in the current Garda uniforms are being examined by the Garda authorities in consultation with the Government Supplies Agency. There will be no delay in looking into the matter.
The request that gardaí should be permitted to wear open-necked shirts in summer months is being considered by the Garda Commissioner. I understand that the Garda associations may intend to raise with the Commissioner the question of allowing open-necked shirts as acceptable uniform during summer months and no doubt the Commissioner will consider any arguments put to him on the matter. I should make the point however that changes in the uniform of the Garda Síochána are not approved without careful consideration.
