asked the Minister for Justice if he will make a statement on the proposed security back-up for customs men operating on the border.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Security Back-up.
27.
It is normal practice for the Garda Siochána to provide protection for officers of Customs and Excise in the execution of their duties whenever such protection is necessary. Specific arrangements are made at local level.
Could I ask if the Garda authorities would consider requesting army back-up groups in this type of case in view of the reports we have had about armed threats being made against the customs officers?
The reports that were in the newspapers, I am informed were exaggerated and did not tally with the position on the ground. There were no threats as such made to the customs officers by any armed people. Whether there should be an armed back-up on any occasion is a matter for the guards to assess on the spot whenever it is needed, and when requested it is provided as a matter of course.
Would the Minister give me an assurance that if a back-up was needed it would not be a question of arming the police again, that the use of the Army would be preferable in those circumstances?
There is no suggestion that the police were armed on this occasion. The police in this country are not armed. This has been the position and will continue to be so.