asked the Minister for Justice why female applicants were discriminated against in the last recruitment to the Garda Band.

The Garda authorities are of opinion that it would be inappropriate to recruit women to the band since the force is predominantly male and the composition of the band should they consider, reflect that fact. I am in agreement with that view.

Is the Minister stating that the discrimination against women in recruitment to this band is justified? Is it in accordance with stated Government policy at present?

I am stating that in my opinion—and I share the opinion of the Garda authorities in this regard —it would be inappropriate to have a band of mixed sexes. It is a band representing a force that is predominantly male. It is a traditional marching-type brass band and, in my opinion, it would be inappropriate to recruit women to it. I am not saying that represents the Government's attitude with regard to discrimination against women but I might mention that the Anti-Discrimination Bill does exclude the Garda Síochána from its scope.

Is the Minister aware that some of the best bands in the world are those composed of men and women and in some instances are composed entirely of women? We have a Ban Gharda force. Will the Minister state why the advertisement did not specify that men only should apply? Highly qualified women applied but they were kept waiting in suspense for a long time before they were told they would not be recruited.

It may be that there are excellent bands composed of men and women and I have no doubt there are excellent bands composed entirely of women. With regard to this band and in view of the nature of the force and the fact that it is a marching-type brass band, my view is that it would be inappropriate to have women in it.

Will the Minister state why the advertisement did not specify that men only should apply?

I do not know why the advertisement did not specify that. I think it was placed by the Civil Service Commission but I will look into the matter and make sure that nobody is misled in the future.

Will the Minister state if he is aware of any police women in bands in other European countries?

I am not aware. There may be police bands in other countries with women in them, in countries where they think that appropriate. My view is that it would be inappropriate here and the Garda authorities share that view.

The Minister is a square.

Will the Minister not admit that this is a glaring example of discrimination?

I do not agree. In my opinion it is appropriate in this case.