Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 13 Dec 2001

Vol. 546 No. 5

Written Answers. - Garda Ceremonies.

Noel Ahern

Question:

234 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the situation regarding complaints from retired gardaí that traditional religious ceremonies in the gardaí have been altered and their focus and denomination changed; if these matters have taken place under his direction or advice; if his attention has been drawn to the hurt felt by gardaí at any suggestion they should be ashamed of their religious beliefs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32401/01]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue)

As Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, I have no function with regard to the organisation of such events. In the light of the Deputy's question, however, I have raised the matter with the Garda authorities who have informed me that the ecumenical service in question was arranged to accommodate the diversity of religious beliefs in An Garda Síochána.