asked the Minister for Justice the steps being taken to reestablish the Garda Síochána Band; and how soon he expects the band to be again functional.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Garda Síochána Band.
35.
The question of the re-establishment of the Garda Band is one of a great many matters raised in the Conroy Report. It will have my attention in due course.
In view of the desirability of re-establishing the Garda Siochána Band, which, according to the Conroy Report, should never have been disbanded, will the Minister ensure that an early decision is taken so that the members of the band who are still available will be recruited again before they are retired from the force?
There are very many recommendations made in this report awaiting my attention which, in my view, are more important than the question of the Garda Síochána Band.
Does the Minister not agree that it only requires a positive decision and, following that positive decision, the presentation of their uniforms and music to the former members of the band so that once again they can play under the auspices of the Garda Síochána?
There is a small matter, that would not concern the Deputy, of £70,000 or £80,000 involved too.
That is quite ridiculous.
There are recommendations of much more interest to the Garda that deserve priority in this very comprehensive report and when we get round to the window dressing and the flute playing we will deal with it.
Question No. 36.
That is because the band was disbanded in the first instance.