Vol. 476 No. 7
303 Mr. Doherty asked the Minister for Justice if she will fund the underwater search and rescue units nationally in view of the valuable contribution they make in locating bodies on a voluntary basis at considerable expense to unit members and in acknowledgement of the high cost of travelling, transport, training and technical equipment. [7983/97]
The Garda authorities are responsible for the detailed deployment of Garda personnel to individual areas. I understand from them that the Garda Síochána maintain a full time Garda underwater unit who are highly trained, resourced, equipped and experienced. This unit provides the required services to the Force and engage in searches for missing persons in addition to other demands placed on them.
While it is not Garda policy to engage private organisations in such services I understand that underwater search and rescue units and clubs have been very helpful to the gardaí in assisting in river searches for victims on a number of occasions in the past and that their services have been much appreciated. However, the Deputy will appreciate that there are many such voluntary organisations throughout the country who assist the gardaí from time to time and give their services and facilities willingly in what can be considered to be a public civil service. I regret that I do not have funds available to me to provide the financial assistance suggested by the Deputy to these clubs and voluntary organisations.
