Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Okay. We will move on, as this is moving into the issue of technology. While I note there are some old-fashioned allowances, such as bicycle allowance, boot allowance and so on, I refer to the level of training. Is there an allowance for training? As many gardaí are not children, they cannot be well up on services such as Facebook and Twitter. What level of training is provided within each division? As everyone is aware, every time an incident takes place nowadays, it appears on Facebook and Twitter. However, because of their age profile - I note they are not teenagers - most gardaí are not fully tuned in and would not have a clue, no more than would many adults. I am conscious of the importance of being forward-looking in this regard and wish to ascertain the level of training. Is there an allowance to train people at divisional level? While I acknowledge that someone, somewhere within the ranks of the Garda must be monitoring Facebook and Twitter, people should be trained in this respect down at divisional level. Facebook and Twitter are as relevant to many people for the purposes of communication as are their mobile telephones. The Commissioner might comment on this point because I believe the vast bulk of Garda members would not be tuned into it. While that probably is a fair comment, I may be wrong and, if so, someone will tell me. However, this is an impression.