asked the Minister for Justice the plans he has to improve Garda efficiency and effectiveness.

(Limerick East): In consultation with the Garda authorities and with their full co-operation I am promoting policies and actions which affect a wide range of Garda areas and which are designed to improve Garda efficiency and effectiveness.

It would not be practicable to restate these policies and the action taken or planned on foot of them in a reply to a parliamentary question. They have been referred to in various statements that I have made in the House in debate and in specific points in reply to parliamentary questions, and it is my intention to announce details of particular policies and plans as appropriate occasions arise in the future.

(Dublin North-West): Is the Minister satisfied that the Garda are adequately equipped to deal with the car stealers and joyriders? I have been informed that a recommendation has been made by the Garda authorities to the Minister and to the Department to have more effective motor cars and motorcycles. Has the Minister given any consideration to improving the power of the cars and to have more effective cars so that the Garda will be safer in these types of cars when they try to apprehend car thieves?

(Limerick East): I consider the Garda are properly equipped. It is really a matter for the Garda authorities if they want to change the type of car or the power of the car involved. As the Deputy is aware in the Garda Vote there is a block grant for Garda transport. It is at the discretion of the Garda authorities what type of cars they buy, the range of cars and the power of cars they buy. If they want to get more powerful cars that is a matter for the Garda authorities. The money is in the Vote.

(Dublin North-West): Have recommendations been made to the Minister by the Garda authorities to improve the type of cars used?

(Limerick East): It is not a matter for me at all. The money is supplied and it is a matter for the Garda authorities to buy whatever cars they think are necessary.