asked the Minister for Justice if it is possible to erect a shelter for use by gardaí on duty outside Leinster House during bad weather.

220.

asked the Minister for Justice if it is proposed to have protective huts erected for the gardaí at both entrances to Leinster House; and if he will communicate with the Garda authorities in charge of the area to see if they wish to have such shelters installed.

With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle I propose to take Questions Nos. 87 and 220 together.

The position continues to be that, as indicated in my reply to a similar Question on 8 December 1977, for reasons of security the Garda authorities do not consider that Garda duties in the vicinity of Leinster House could be adequately discharged from a sentry-box or other similar shelter. Accordingly they are not prepared in present circumstances to ask that such shelters be provided.

Members engaged on these duties are given protective clothing to minimise discomfort in inclement weather.