asked the Minister for Justice if he has any plans to introduce an up-to-date mobile police force.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Mobile Police Force.
12.
The mobility of the Garda Síochána has been increased considerably in recent years by the provision of additional motor cars and motor cycles for patrol work and other purposes, and by the provision of radio equipment. Arrangements are being made to purchase additional vehicles and radio equipment for Garda purpose in the present financial year. The question of increasing further the mobility of the force will continue to receive close attention, and additional mechanical aids will be purchased to the extent found necessary from time to time.
The Parliamentary Secretary will appreciate that, according to his Minister's statement, the mobile force is concentrated purely in Dublin and Cork. Would he not consider it desirable that there should be a mobile force available to function in certain areas in the country, outside of Dublin and Cork?
It is very desirable that mobility should be pushed to the greatest extent possible, but it is also desirable that it should not go too far. One must always have regard to the requirements of the situation throughout the country and there is a limit to the extent to which the mobility of the force can be pushed.
But that is the very thing I am asking the Parliamentary Secretary. I am asking him to extend the force outside Dublin and Cork. There is no mobile force at present.
Of course there is a mobile force outside of Dublin and Cork.
You see it everywhere all over the country.
There is a Parliamenary Secretary. Can the Government Deputies not let him answer?
There is a mobile force in every barrack in the country. I am telling the Deputy only what he should know himself.
Tell the Parliamentary Secretary.