asked the Minister for Justice the number of gardaí on duty on foot patrol in Dublin city during the hours of 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. on any week in the month of (a) January, 1965, and (b) January, 1955.

I do not consider that it would be in the public interest to disclose the extent of patrols at given times in any area. I have, however, been assured by the Commissioner that adequate foot patrols are maintained in Dublin city at all times and that as between 1955 and 1965 there was little variation.

The Minister should tell the House how many gardaí are on duty at night in Dublin and in other centres. The Minister gave me the same answer when I asked this question previously.

The Deputy is making a statement, not asking a question.

I am asking the Minister: Why does he not reply to my question? The reason the Minister is not replying is that there is practically nobody on duty in the cities and towns.

The Deputy may not make a statement.

Will the Minister answer that question accurately?

I am always anxious to help Deputy Lynch but it should be patently obvious that it is not in the public interest to disclose the strength of gardaí in different localities.

The Minister is ashamed to reveal the number of gardaí on duty at night time.

If the Deputy thinks it desirable to give information as to the strength of gardaí in different localities for the benefit of criminals, he is welcome, but he will not get it from me.