asked the Minister for Justice if he will make a statement regarding the shooting incident on 3 February 1979 at Hackballscross, County Monaghan.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Monaghan Shooting Incident.
9.
The incident is under investigation by the Garda. I would refer the Deputy to the answer which I gave to a somewhat similar question from him on 11 October 1978, in which I pointed out that it was not the practice for Ministers for Justice to make statements about individual crimes that are under investigation by the Garda. I do not propose to depart from that practice.
I support the Minister in what he says, and I want an assurance from him that there will not be a cutback in the number of gardaí on Border duty.
That is a statement. There will be opportunities on the Estimates to make a speech.
Is the Minister aware that such a cutback leaves gardaí on Border duty open to attack?
The Deputy asked me to make a statement regarding a shooting incident on 3 February at Hackballscross. I have done so, and if the Deputy wishes to raise other matters he should table another question, which I will answer in full.
The reason for the attack is that the gardaí are not strong enough on the ground. When the Minister was in opposition he made the same statements I am now making.