asked the Minister for Justice how he reconciles the charge now levied against certain Gardaí for accommodation with the advertisements stating that free accommodation would be provided.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Garda Accommodation.
69.
Mr. Ryan
Statements in advertisements relating to pay and accommodation of Gardaí have at all times been fully in accord with the arrangements in force at the time of publication.
In my reply on Thursday last to the Deputy's Question No. 181, I explained fully the circumstances in which free accommodation or non-pensionable rent allowances averaging about 15/- a week were replaced by a pensionable addition of 25/- a week subject to a flat deduction of £1 a week where accommodation is provided, irrespective of whether the accommodation provided consists of a house for a married Garda or accommodation at a station for a single man.
Mr. Ryan
Can the Minister reconcile his statement and the activity of his Department with a statement made already here during Question Time to-day by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Lands that conditions and pay are two entirely different things? How can one Department of State make pay and accommodation allowances one and the same thing while another Department of State——
It is an abstract question.
It is too abstract for me.
That is understandable.
Mr. Ryan
The Minister is trying to have it both ways.
70.
Mr. Ryan
asked the Minister for Justice if he will state in respect of the Dublin Metropolitan District (a) the total membership of the Garda Síochána of Garda and Sergeant rank, (b) the number of such persons for whom accommodation is provided and (c) the numbers of such persons who have deductions for accommodation made against them.
The total strength of the Force of Sergeant and Garda rank serving in the Dublin Metropolitan Division on 31st October, 1961, was 1,672. The number of these members for whom accommodation is provided is 561 and deductions from pay in respect of the availability of such accommodation is made in all cases in accordance with the provisions of Article 3 of the Garda Síochána Pay and Allowances Order, 1961.