Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)

The same applies for applicants to the Garda Síochána and they must also undergo a security check. The system is exactly equivalent for applicants to the Army except that military intelligence is involved even though I imagine this involvement is peripheral and merely a formality. The Garda record of an applicant is what is taken into account.

The suggestion made by Deputy Costello and Deputy Mulcahy seems to be sensible. I will have a chat with the relevant authorities. A person who has committed a minor offence 15 or 20 years ago should not be debarred on security grounds. As Minister for Defence I would not regard such a person as a security risk and I admit I have had a few complaints in my constituency, mainly from people who want to join the Garda Síochána and one or two who want to join the Army.

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