Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Question 175: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the method of recruitment of members of the Garda Band; the present number of members of the Garda Band; the duties of the members; the number of functions participated in by the band in each of the past five years; if he has plans to restructure the band; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2256/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities that members of the Garda Band are appointed in accordance with the provisions of regulation 14 of the Garda Síochána (Admissions and Appointments) Regulations 1988 which provide that: "Where the Commissioner is satisfied that a person has special technical qualifications which justify his appointment and enrolment under this regulation as a member .... the Commissioner may, with the consent of the Minister, duly appoint and enrol the person as a member without regard to the requirements of Regulation 11". [Regulation 11 stipulates the necessity for a period of training before appointment].

Vacancies in the Garda Band are advertised in the national media and filled following interview, test of musical ability, medical examination and character clearance. The current personnel strength of the Garda Band as at 25 January 2005 is 38, all ranks. Members of the Garda Band are engaged full-time on band duty with engagements extending to all parts of Ireland. The nature of the engagements vary from official Garda functions, all major sporting events, TV and broadcast media to the schools programme which covers primary, secondary and third level establishments. Major music festivals, religious services and community based initiatives are also catered for. In addition, the Garda Band has performed on a number of occasions in Northern Ireland, the UK and in Europe.

The Garda Band has performed on 893 occasions during the past five years, as follows: in 2000, 210; 2001, 182; 2002, 173; 2003, 168; and 2004, 160. There are no plans to restructure the Garda Band at present.