I propose to take Questions Nos. 202 to 204, inclusive, together.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that when the Gaeltacht allowance was introduced in 1934, it was decided that it would only be paid in areas where Irish was the general medium of speech and where all the members of the force were proficient in and required to perform their duties in Irish. The areas where the allowance was to be paid were determined on the basis of districts. These are Garda administrative areas, each comprising of a number of Garda stations, under the supervision of a superintendent. It was not regarded as practicable to arrange for members of the force in any particular station to conduct all their duties in Irish if Irish was not also in use at the district headquarters.
I am further informed by the Garda authorities that Garda districts in the Galway West Division were approved by the Government for payment of the Gaeltacht allowance in 1934. Garda districts in the Donegal and Kerry Divisions were approved by the Government for payment of the Gaeltacht allowance in 1935. Since then, changes in those district boundaries would have had implications in the context of members qualifying for the Gaeltacht allowance. A full list of the districts concerned were supplied to the Deputy in my reply to Questions Nos. 900 to 906 of 3 October 2001.
As regards the Deputy's question about an examination carried out by the independent assessment group in respect of competency of gardaí to perform a service in Irish, I am informed by the Garda authorities that they do not have any information in this matter. If it is the case that the Deputy is seeking information on the examination normally carried out in relation to the allowance I will have inquiries made in this respect should the Deputy wish.
