John O'Donoghue
Ceist:21 Mr. O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Justice whether she intends to reactivate the murder squad; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3806/96]
Written Answers. - Murder Squad Reactivation.
The Garda authorities are responsible for the detailed allocation of personnel and resources throughtout the State. I understand from the Garda authorities that the investigation unit commonly known as the "Murder Squad" which was attached to the technical bureau at Garda headquarters was decentralised on a divisional basis in 1988.
Two superintendents and a number of sergeants with a high level of investigative expertise are still based at Garda headquarters and are available on request to divisional officers in major and complex cases. Forensic-technical support continues to be provided from Garda headquarters such as crime scene examiners, fingerprints, ballistics, etc. Extra members are available on request to any division for major crime investigations.
The decentralisation, together with the training and development of investigators nationwide, has made the divisional investigation teams more self sufficient and, of course, more readily available at short notice. Investigators are now working nearer sources of intelligence and where they know the local community. The Garda authorities also point out that their services can be used effectively on other duties when not engaged in major crime investigations.
The Garda authorities consider that the existing arrangements provide for a more efficient and effective use of resources, and there are no plans at present to alter them.