asked the Minister for Justice whether the inter-departmental committee appointed to inquire into the duties, organisation and strength of the Garda Síochána about a year ago have reported to the Government and whether the Government have considered the report; and, if so, with what result.
Ceisteanna.—Questions. Oral Answers. - Garda Siochána Inquiry.
The committee have not yet reported, but expect to do so in the near future.
Is the Minister aware that it is now almost 12 months since this commission was set up and that a certain amount of uneasiness has set in among members of the Garda Síochána as to what is going to be done? Is he also aware that certain Press reports appeared recently to the effect that Garda barracks all over this country are going to be closed and that the night telephone service will be dispensed with—very much to the detriment of the general public? Will he give some indication whether there is any foundation for these statements?
It would be very interesting to know where these reports come from.
They appeared in the public Press.
I would like to know where the Press gets them. There is no truth in any of them so far. If the Deputy asks his colleague in the front bench, his colleague from the Irish Press, I might like to get some of the information. The commission is sitting practically three times a week. It is not an easy matter——
Why not?
——to reorganise or decide upon the issues put to the commission by the Government.
Not in 12 months?
The commission will report at an early stage. They are not yet in a position to report. Most of the rumours and statements in the Press are inaccurate; they have no foundation in fact.
Is this commission going the way of all other commissions?