asked the Minister for Justice if his attention has been drawn to the statement by the general secretary of the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors pointing out the dangers of reducing spending on security needs, particularly in Border areas, and if he will make a statement on the matter.

As is well known, the strength of the Garda Síochána has in fact been consistently increasing and that increase, which is continuing, is provided for in additional funds being made available this coming year for the Garda Síochána. This is quite apart from the increase in expenditure on the force arising from both special and general pay increases which have been awarded to members. There is therefore no reduction in expenditure on the Garda Síochána or on security needs—quite the contrary—and I think that suggestions that there might be such reductions were, shall I say, premature.

I must, however, make it clear that if the security situation improves, as we all hope it will, so that a reduction in the allocation of resources to security needs become possible, it will be the duty of the Government and the Garda authorities to ensure that such a reduction takes place. Anything else would involve a dereliction of duty to the taxpayer.

I mentioned specifically Border areas in my question but the Minister did not mention them in his reply.

I did. It appears that there is a breakdown in communication between the Deputy and myself and for that reason I want to repeat that there was no reduction in expenditure on the Garda Síochána or on security needs and that suggestions that there might be such reductions were premature.

Is the Minister now telling the House that he has not reduced the number of gardaí on Border duty?

I am satisfied that there has not been any reduction in the number of gardaí involved in Border divisions.

Is the Minister putting on record the fact that the number of gardaí on Border duty is exactly the same, or more, than 12 months ago?

I do not have this covered in my brief because that matter was not raised in the question but to the best of my knowledge there has not been any reduction in the manpower of the Garda force involved in Border divisions.

Will the Minister send me precise details of the number of gardaí on Border duty in the last two years?

I will not. If I am wrong I am inviting the Deputy to prove me so, but the Deputy is aware that it has never been the practice here to give information with regard to the precise details of the strength of the Garda force operating in Border areas.

If I had the exact information I would give it to the Minister. I am merely seeking information.

I was refused by my predecessor, who was supported in Government by Deputy Harte, the same type of information.

Did the Minister accept that refusal when in Opposition?

I accepted it in the interest of security.

The Minister protested when in Opposition and I should like to know why he is now practising something against which he protested a few years ago.

The Deputy should not be double-dealing from the bottom of the deck at all times. I accepted the answer given to me when I was in Opposition in the interest of security and I advise the Deputy to do likewise.

The Minister blows hot and cold.

3.