Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)

I do not accept that the Garda is under-resourced — this is not at the heart of the difficulties we are facing — and I do not accept my discussions with the Garda Commissioner are stage managed. As a matter of necessity, every Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform must liaise constantly with the Commissioner. As late as yesterday, the Commissioner assured me he has sufficient resources to deal with the intelligence aspects of the problem in question.

Under the relevant legislation, it is not the function of the Chief Inspector of the Garda Inspectorate to advise the Minister on resources; there are plenty of people who give us opinions on resources. It is the function of the inspector to ensure resources are being utilised efficiently and wisely, and the inspector's reports to date on this subject have been of a very high standard and repay study.

On the possible deployment of the Defence Forces, the Defence Forces assist the civil power when required. As the Deputy has raised the question, I will certainly raise it with the Commissioner. Naturally, if the Garda Síochána were of the opinion that it needed the assistance of the Defence Forces to back up the civil power, it would request such assistance. However, it should be borne in mind that the Defence Forces are not trained in policing functions.

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