asked the Minister for Justice if his attention has been drawn to reports that police protection is being afforded for the importation into this country and distribution of large quantities of cement during the present cement strike; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cement Strike.
42.
The protection was given in the normal course of duty because of the possibility that assaults might be committed on people and property destroyed. This, of course, does not mean that the gardaí have in any way taken sides in an industrial dispute. No statement from me in the matter is called for.
Have the Department any figures to suggest that the number of men or the costs involved in this protection are beyond the normal?
There are no separate figures available. That is part of the normal duties of the gardaí.
Does the Minister consider that it is in the public interest that a very large number of gardaí should be so engaged at very considerable public expense and at absolutely no cost to the native and foreign black-marketeers who have made small fortunes in the past five months——
I take it that the Deputy is asking a supplementary question?
Does the Minister consider that these gardaí, many of whom would be engaged in perhaps more useful and urgent public duties than some of the allocations——
The duties of the gardaí are to preserve the peace and the gardaí will do that whether or not certain Deputies would wish them to do it.
Did I hear the Minister for Justice cast any aspersions on members of the Fianna Fáil Party?
On a point of order.
Question No. 43.
(Interruptions.)