Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)

While six agencies have been identified, the Minister might clarify whether gardaí are utilised for this kind of duty in other bodies when better deployment of their skills and time is possible. Will the Minister consider the extension of the list prior to Report Stage?

The Minister referred to the powers of security officers. I presume they have powers of arrest. I think particularly of the National Gallery or the National Museum where there might be nefarious activities. It would be important that the powers of gardaí would be replicated in the security officers within the confines of a particular location. Will the Minister clarify this? While I support the idea, one matter that concerns me somewhat relates to the Courts Service, which involves the District and Circuit Courts. In such places, a Garda presence is often required for the maintenance of law and order.