Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 17 Oct 1991

Vol. 411 No. 2

Written Answers. - Garda Movements in Louth-Meath Division.

Michael Bell

Question:

52 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Justice the name, number and rank of each member of the Garda Síochána on duty in the Louth/Meath Division for the 24-hour duty of 30 April 1991 and 1 May 1991; and the time each garda by rank commenced and finished duty; and the registration number of each patrol car used by each garda by rank on duty for 30 April and 1 May 1991; in the Louth/Meath Division.

Minister for Justice (Mr. Burke)

Yesterday I answered another question by the Deputy relating to what are known as "yellow slips" which are supplied by the gardaí when urine samples are taken in drunk driving cases. I explained to him that it would not be possible to supply a range of detailed information sought by him in relation to the availability of those slips without a disproportionate investment of Garda time and resources.

Today the Deputy is looking for further detailed information — this time about Garda movements, deployments etc., in the Louth/Meath Division during a particular 24 hour period on 30 April and 1 May last. Although I have no idea whether these questions are related, I can say that they have one thing in common and that is that there is no way of dealing with them without wasting Garda resources. If the Deputy is interested in a particular incident, of course, or has information concerning any incident that may have occurred in the Louth/Meath Division on the night in the question — and that is an inference that might be drawn by anybody reading the question — I shall be glad to have the matter examined.

I should, incidentally, make it clear that it is not and never has been the practice to supply the kind of details sought by the Deputy in relation to Garda personnel, car registrations and so on. The reason for exercising discretion in matters of this kind are widely understood. I would advise the Deputy that I have no intention of departing from long established practice in this regard.