asked the Minister for Justice the action taken to ensure that there will not be a recurrence of incidents arising from complaints by the Garda Síochána in connection with Mr. Heath's day-long visit to this country.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Garda Complaints.
82.
(Cavan): I do not know what incidents the Deputy is referring to. What I am aware of is that there were complaints from members of the force about the inadequacy of catering arrangements for them during Mr. Heath's visit. The Commissioner has had the matter investigated and a number of suggestions to obviate a recurrence are at present being examined by him.
Can the Minister say what type of investigation the Minister has conducted and when the result will be available? We must ensure that there will be no recurrence of this incident.
(Cavan): My information is that the matter is being investigated fully with a view to ensuring that, if there should arise again the type of very exceptional security requirements which were put in train for Mr. Health's visit, everything possible will be done to ensure that the members of the Garda Síochána have no complaints. The Minister appreciates very much the services rendered at comparatively short notice by the members of the force on the occasion of Mr. Heath's visit, but the Deputy will appreciate that this was practically a once-in-50-years operation.
The Heath visit?
(Cavan): The extent of the security.
I appreciate the functions of the gardaí on that day but I think the Minister will agree that the complaints were justified in relation to long hours as well as in respect of the catering arrangements. What happened in this instance was very unreasonable on the part of the Department.
(Cavan): I never suggested that the gardaí had not reason for complaint but what I am saying is that this was an isolated incident which might never happen again and which had not happened previously for so long as anyone can remember.
Does that mean that Mr. Heath will not be coming to see the Taoiseach again?
(Cavan): That is a separate question. Previous to that visit the traffic was all in the other direction.
I want to ask the Minister if, in the event of a similar situation arising, he might consider supplementing Garda catering facilities with Army catering facilities?
(Cavan): I should not be in the least surprised if that were one of the matters being considered.
Is the Minister further aware that when given their sandwiches the gardaí found them inedible and threw them into wastepaper baskets?
(Cavan): I am not so aware.
The Minister is now so aware.
(Cavan): The Minister for Justice is performing another public duty at the moment in regard to the Garda Síochána, and a very pleasing duty it is.