asked the Minister for Justice the total number of gardaí as at 1st December, 1968, 1969 and 1970; the total number of Special Branch gardaí as of the same dates; and if he is satisfied that this force is adequately equipped and capable of protecting the security of the State in the context of legislation now in operation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Garda Strength.
88.
The Garda strength figures as at 1st December in each of the last three years are as follows : 1968—6,536; 1969—6,529; 1970—6,552.
The term "Special Branch" is not used officially—the official term "Special Detective Unit" is applied to a section of the Garda Síochána. I have already explained to the House, as regards the numbers allocated to the Special Detective Unit, that it would be contrary to the public interest to disclose information as to the number of gardaí who are engaged on duties in a particular section at particular times.
The answer to the last part of the question is "Yes" but that answer is not to be taken as meaning that a situation could not arise at short notice when it would be necessary to augment the force or to extend the law or possibly to take both these steps in order to protect the security of the State.
Why does the Minister find it impossible to give the total number of gardaí out of the 6,552 currently employed by the State who are engaged on special duties? Surely the Minister is aware that this information is generally made available in most democratic European parliaments and that his refusal to give this information, which is of a most general nature and to which the House is perfectly entitled, can only tend to increase public speculation?
The Deputy is making a statement, not asking a question.
May I ask the Minister, therefore, if he would be more specific?
I understand the position to be that this figure was never given and I do not see any good reason why it should be given now. It was not given in the public interest and for security reasons. There are no circumstances at present obtaining that would make it any more desirable to give it now.
Is the Minister aware of various statements made that the Special Detective Unit has been specially augmented in recent months and would he give the reasons why it is not in the public interest and contrary to national security to say how many of the 6,500 gardaí in the State are currently employed in that unit? That is a straight question.
The reasons are perfectly adequate. The only people to whom that knowledge would be of any real assistance are those who might wish to engage in illegal or subversive action.
In relation to my question asking if the force is capable of dealing with the existing situation, may I ask the Minister if he has received any communication from the Garda Commission that the current situation is outside the surveillance capacity of the existing strength?
That would be a separate question. The Chair is ruling that this is a separate question.
On a point of order, the question asked by me was: "If he is satisfied that this force is adequately equipped and capable of protecting the security of the State..."
I answered the question I was asked and I have nothing further to add.
The Minister answered that in the affirmative.
And I am asking further supplementaries specifically on this question as to whether he received any communication from the Garda Commissioner.
The Chair is ruling that that is a separate question and is not prepared to allow the Minister to answer it.