asked the Minister for Justice whether he will review the decision to set up the Garda Special Task Force.

The answer is ‘no'.

Will the Minister state what progress has been made in the establishment of this force? Will he state if it is well advanced?

The Deputy probably knows that there are a number of task forces already in existence within the Garda Síochána. There is expansion of one of the forces: a number of men have been selected in various Garda divisions and they are being trained.

There has not been an increase in the strength of the Garda Síochána. The task force is being taken from existing members. The Minister is robbing Peter to pay Paul.