Vol. 463 No. 3
287 Mr. M. Kitt asked the Minister for Justice the effectiveness and cost of Operation Shannon; the number of additional gardaí required to maintain a year-round Garda presence; whether this operation will be continued and extended; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6190/96]
It would not be appropriate to provide the information sought by the Deputy in relation to the number of gardaí involved in Operation Shannon on the grounds of security and crime prevention generally. The Garda authorities inform me that they are satisfied with the effectiveness of Operation Shannon in curbing criminal activity across this country. The question as to the likely duration of this operation is an operational one for the Garda authorities and is being kept under constant review by them.
With regard to the cost of Operation Shannon I have been informed by the Garda authorities that they would have to divert gardaí and other staff from normal duties to compile the information sought. I am satisfied that this would involve the commitment of Garda resources to an extent which would be quite disproportionate and would not be warranted. I understand however, that most of the gardaí involved in this operation are rostered for normal duty and do not, therefore, represent an additional cost. Gardaí involved who are not rostered for normal duty would be in receipt of overtime payments. Other costs arise from additional allowance payments e.g. subsistence, unsocial hours etc.
