Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

If it is acceptable, I wish to put a number of questions to the Minister. I am sure the Minister is well aware of the reports from around the country in respect of the impact of the new Garda roster on court sittings. In that context, members of the force are not attending in court to give evidence in cases where prosecutions are being brought. Cases are subsequently being thrown out or are just not proceeding, for whatever reason. It is often stated that the new Garda roster is having an impact in this regard. This matter relates to the wider administration of justice, particularly if gardaí are not appearing in court in cases where prosecutions are being brought. Will the Minister comment on that matter?

The Minister provided a ballpark figure of 13,400 in the context of the overall strength of the force. We discussed this matter with the Garda Commissioner last week and he indicated that some 1,200 serving members will be in a position to retire in the next 12 months. It must be remembered that the lead-in period in respect of training new recruits is two years and that the recruitment embargo is still in place. The Garda Commissioner also pointed out that he has been directed by the Government to reduce the number serving on the force to 13,400. What is the Minister's target number in respect of serving Garda personnel? Where do we stand in the context of lifting the embargo on recruitment and training? I ask this question in light of the two-year training period for new recruits and the number of people who might possibly retire in the next 12 months.

The Minister referred to the funding being provided for additional Garda vehicles. Such funding is welcome. We are concerned they will complain there is never sufficient funding for the upkeep of the vehicles.

We are concerned they will complain there is never have sufficient funding for the upkeep of the vehicles. We raise this matter regularly with the Minister. I refer to the cash in transit escort services provided by An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces to the banks and financial institutions. Has a critical analysis been carried out on this service to decide if a greater revenue stream could accrue to An Garda Síochána which could then be ring-fenced for the replacement of Garda vehicles?

The banks are making changes in how they deal with their customers. For example, small businesses are not permitted to bring cash lodgments to bank branches. The banks insist that businesses must use a cash collection company to deliver the cash to the bank cash centres. The banks are cutting back on their costs. Is the Government ensuring that the banks are paying their way in the provision of security escorts?

I refer to the special exemption orders. Many in the industry avail of the special exemption orders. They favour a graduated system of fees payable for these orders. They also suggest the fees should be based on square footage or turnover. Smaller and medium-sized businesses pay as much for an exemption order as the bigger outlets or function areas with greater footfall and resultant greater turnover and profits.