asked the Minister for Justice if he will agree to the provision at the entrance gates to Leinster House, of sentry boxes or other suitable cover for gardaí, fitted with perspex or other suitable windows, in order to ensure that, while security for the House is maintained, discomfort from inclement weather is kept to a minimum.
Written Answers. - Leinster House Garda.
191.
The question of my agreement does not arise. It is the Leinster House authorities whose consent would be needed. However, the position is that, for a number of reasons related to security needs, the Garda authorities are not satisfied that garda duties in the vicinity of Leinster House could be adequately discharged from a sentry-box or other similar shelter and accordingly they are not prepared in present circumstances to ask that such shelters be provided. The matter is kept under review.
Members engaged on these duties are given protective clothing to minimise discomfort in bad weather.
With the permission of the Chair I wish to raise on the adjournment the situation arising from the closure of the Dublin Dental Hospital owing to the non-resolution of the dispute there involving some technicians, the board and the Department of Education.
I shall communicate with the Deputy.