asked the Minister for Justice if members of the Garda Síochána are entitled to work for private security firms in their free time.

In accordance with the powers vested in him by the Garda Síochána (Discipline) Regulations, 1971, the commissioner has issued a directive prohibiting members of the force from working for private security firms as a spare-time activity.

The House is grateful for the information. Could the Minister tell when the directive was issued?

The directive is incorporated in the 1971 disciplinary regulations. The date of the commissioner's directive is not at hand but I will make it available to the Deputy.

Will the commissioner take disciplinary action in any case where a breach of this directive is brought to his attention?

That is a matter for the commissioner.

Would the Minister accept that there are members in the Garda Síochána contemplating resigning because security firms are offering them more money for their services?

I would not comment on a statement made by the Deputy in that respect.

I am asking a question, not making a statement.

The Deputy made a statement.

I will repeat my question.

As I said at the outset, this is a matter for the Garda Commissioner.

Does the Minister not accept that security firms are paying a great deal more than the Garda Síochána for the services of security officers? Does he also realise that many gardaí are looking enviously at these positions?

The remaining questions will appear on next Tuesday's Order Paper.