asked the Minister for Justice what is the amount saved per annum to other Departments of State through the Gárda performing work on their behalf, such as the collection of agricultural statistics, the enforcement of the School Attendance Act, etc., work which is outside the scope of their duties as peace officers, and if the Minister is prepared to have the amount examined into, and credited to the Gárda Vote.
Written Answers. - Duties of Gárda Síochána.
It would be extremely difficult to estimate the amount saved to other Government Departments by the performance by the Gárda of such duties as the collection of agricultural statistics and the enforcement of the School Attendance Act, and I do not consider that any useful purpose would be served which would justify the time and labour involved in arriving at such an estimate. The answer to the latter portion of the question is in the negative.