asked the Minister for Justice if he will make a statement on reports regarding the setting up of vigilante patrols in some areas of Dublin city.

I have seen the reports referred to. To the knowledge of the Garda authorities, there is no vigilante group operating in any area in Dublin city and the Garda authorities are not aware of any proposal to establish one. It is, of course, heartening to note that there are many citizens who would be prepared to assist the Garda and indeed without the support of the mass of the community the Garda cannot effectively discharge their duties. Co-operation between the Garda and the public in combating lawlessness can take many forms. One suggestion I should like to make now is that residents' associations and other community organisations in Dublin might contact the Garda public relations office at the Depot and explain their local problems in detail with a view to establishing whether some specific measures are possible.

I am sure the Minister appreciates that this suggestion of vigilantes stems from the fact that people in the city are not satisfied with the present strength of the Garda and they are driven to this by desperation. I am sure the Minister is not in favour of the vigilante corps, but unless the Minister can satisfy the people that the forces of law and order are adequate to deal with the problems, vigilante organisations might start despite the Minister's or our wishes.

I would deprecate any move in that direction. I am glad that the Deputy agrees with me in that regard. I appreciate the concern of citizens in certain parts of the city when there is an outbreak of vandalism. If citizens or a residents' association in any such area contacted Garda headquarters they could discuss their problems with the Garda who have the capacity in certain instances if the need is there to give extra attention to particular areas.

Does the Minister suggest that when the residents' association contacted the Garda station men would be available?

I am not suggesting that the Garda station be contacted. I am suggesting that Garda headquarters be contacted and the Garda public relations office and the matter could then be taken up with the district or division in question to see what assistance could be given to the residents.

Would the Minister agree that frustration and desperation is driving communities to consider vigilantes and these vigilantes would be completely unnecessary if there were enough gardaí on the beat?

I am aware that there is concern among citizens, but it is important not to exaggerate the concern or the problem and the House should remember that the Garda force has been increased by over 900 men since 1973 and that the budget has gone from £23 million to £57 million. These are all indications of the Government's earnestness in tackling these problems. As the Deputy is aware, a further 500 gardaí will be recruited to the force. We will have to look at the manpower situation as it develops over the next 12 or 18 months and if more men are required I have no doubt that the Government will consider that request favourably.

Would the Minister agree that the fact that the Government have done nothing whatsoever to recruit the extra 500 men which the Government decided was necessary last June is a serious reflection on the Government at present with regard to ordinary policing in our cities and towns?

I am afraid we are entering into another area.

I would not say so. The Deputy chooses to ignore the fact that the force has increased by over 900 men since 1973.

Would the Minister say what became of the Taoiseach's proposals for a vigilante corps?

The Taoiseach never proposed a vigilante corps.

The Taoiseach proposed an assistant police organisation some years ago.

The Taoiseach did not propose that.