Vol. 449 No. 5
92 Mr. Davern asked the Minister for Justice the plans, if any, she has to introduce a mounted police force for crowd and traffic control in the near future; the discussions, if any, that have taken place with her on this matter; and, if so, the result of these discussions. [4082/95]
I am not convinced that the benefits of having a mounted police unit in the Garda Síochana are such that they justify the establishment of such a unit. The arrangements for traffic and crowd control are kept under continuing review by the Garda authorities.
The Deputy will be aware that I have asked the former Chief Justice Thomas Finlay to carry out a thorough investigation of the appalling incidents which occured at Lansdowne Road on 15 February 1995 and to report personally to me. The Deputy may also be aware that the Garda Commissioner has appointed an Assistant Commissioner to inquire into all aspects of the Garda planning and deployment of resources for the match. I am anxious that these inquiries be completed as soon as possible.
I should mention the fact that policing arrangements for Dublin city centre will shortly be enhanced by the introduction of closed circuit television. Installation of closed circuit television is already under way in the Temple Bar area and plans are well advanced to set up a similar scheme in O'Connell Street. This will assist the gardaí in identifying criminals at work in the streets and they will be in a position to respond immediately. It will also assist the gardaí in traffic and crowd control. While mounted police may have a use in special circumstances, I am advised that the needs of the gardaí and the public would be better served by putting available financial resources into the use of closed circuit television.
