asked the Minister for Justice if he will ensure that within a reasonable time all gardaí who are paid by cheque shall receive an itemised statement on each occasion of the gross amount due, how it is made up, and what deductions have been made.

The members of the Garda Síochána who are paid by cheque are those from the rank of inspector upwards. Each is given a fully itemised statement at the end of each quarter, when the deductions are made, showing how the figure is made up and the precise deductions which have been made. This is in conformity with the practice throughout the Civil Service.

Would it be possible to have that particular type of cheque issued on a monthly rather than a quarterly basis?

Could the Minister answer the question about extending this to all ranks?

I have had no complaint whatsoever from the force itself, if the question is supposed to represent a complaint. The Deputy may not have the Garda Síochána solely in mind in this question but, as far as my information goes, we have had no complaint from those concerned that there was not sufficient information given about any deductions. I saw a specimen of the cheque and it sets out in the minutest details what the deductions are for.