Dáil Éireann - Volume 311 - 14 February, 1979

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Monaghan Shooting Incident.

Mr. Harte Mr. Harte

9. Mr. Harte asked the Minister for Justice if he will make a statement regarding the shooting incident on 3 February 1979 at Hackballscross, County Monaghan.

Mr. G. Collins Mr. G. Collins

Mr. G. Collins: 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.

Mr. Harte Mr. Harte

Mr. Harte: 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.

An Ceann Comhairle Joseph Brennan

An Ceann Comhairle: That is a statement. There will be opportunities on the Estimates to make a speech.

Mr. Harte Mr. Harte

Mr. Harte: Is the Minister aware that such a cutback leaves gardaí on Border duty open to attack?

Mr. G. Collins Mr. G. Collins

1141

Mr. G. Collins: The Deputy asked me to make a statement regarding a shooting incident on 3 February at Hackballscross. I have done so, and if [1141] the Deputy wishes to raise other matters he should table another question, which I will answer in full.

Mr. Harte Mr. Harte

Mr. Harte: 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.

Dáil Éireann 311 Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. County Monaghan Shooting Incident.

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