asked the Minister for Justice the steps he plans to take to ensure the safety of members of the Garda Síochána in the light of the recent fatal shooting of a Garda sergeant in Dunboyne, County Meath.
Written Answers. - Garda Safety Precautions.
55.
Limerick East): Two persons have been charged with the murder of the late Sergeant McLoughlin in Dunboyne and the House will appreciate therefore that it is not open to me in replying to the question to comment in any way on that case.
It is scarcely necessary for me to say that if there were any steps that I could take to reduce the risks which members of the Garda Síochána face in the performance of their duty I would be more than glad to take them. The regrettable reality is, however, that it is inherent in the very nature of their job that, from time to time, members of the force find themselves in situations where their lives are in jeopardy.
The taking of such precautions as may be possible to minimise the risk of loss of life is primarily a matter within the competence of the Garda force itself. I have been informed by the Commissioner that such matters are kept under constant review but that he would not consider it helpful or appropriate to disclose any details of steps that might be taken from time to time to ensure the safety of members of the force.