asked the Minister for Justice if he will consider the addition of a chequered band to Garda caps so as to make gardaí more easily identifiable to the public and, particularly, to foreign visitors.

A working party which were set up to consider and advise on the general suitability of Garda uniforms and equipment are at present considering, among other matters, the introduction of a chequered band for Garda caps. Pending receipt of the recommendations of the working party I am not in a position to say what changes in uniforms may be introduced.

Would the Minister not agree that having regard to the great increase in the numbers of security personnel and other persons in uniform, it has become difficult to distinguish gardaí and would he not consider that the introduction of a chequered band would provide a ready made means of identification of gardaí.

I accept that what the Deputy is suggesting is helpful in an area that requires careful consideration but I can only repeat that the matter is the subject of examination by a working committee. I trust that the committee will report to me shortly but until such time as I hear from them I would not like to say what should be done in this regard.

Would the Minister not agree——

We have had sufficient chequered questions.

——that the chequered band is a universal method of distinguishing policemen and that, consequently, it would provide an easy means of identification for visitors particularly?

I am sure that point will be taken into account.