asked the Minister for Justice if he will state (a) whether the expenses incurred by the members of the Gárda Síochána during their recent visit to Rome and Paris were defrayed out of State funds, and, if so, whether he will state the amount so expended; (b) whether leave was granted to the participants for the purpose of the visit, and, if so, whether it was additional to the ordinary annual leave appropriate to their rank.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - VISIT OF GARDAI TO ROME.
No expenses in connection with the visit referred to are payable out of State funds, and no extra leave beyond the ordinary annual leave was granted to any member of the Gárda concerned.
Might I ask the Minister if it is a fact that the money for this trip was borrowed from the British Widows and Orphans' Distress Fund, and if it is a fact that it is going to be repaid at 10/- per week per man, and if so, does the Minister consider that a proper practice?
It is not a fact. The Gárda Síochána themselves saved up the money necessary for this trip.