While appreciating that the area is very broad and obviously not one that could be dealt with satisfactorily at Question Time, I will concentrate on one aspect. Would the Minister not agree that there is a great need to improve that element of Garda training that relates to rules of evidence and to court procedures? This is a view held widely even among the training staff at Templemore. By bringing about an improvement in this area we would be ensuring that gardaí are not at a disadvantage when faced with professionally qualified people. In view of that and of many examples also, would the Minister not agree that, pending the completion of the present investigation, there are many such improvements that could be implemented as a matter of urgency?

(Limerick East): Yes. There is no inhibition on the Garda in that respect, either in their preliminary recruit training or during the two year probation period when in-service training is provided or subsequently by way of a series of seminars. The Garda have discretion in such matters. I do not think we will ever have a situation where the recruit garda will be on an equal footing with the barrister who has spent several years studying law and who has years of experience. Neither would that be necessary. But gardaí can become competent in the rules of evidence so that cases do not fall for reasons of technicalities. I expect that is what the Deputy has in mind.

I was not talking about technicalities or about gardaí reaching the same level of competence as people who have had four years exclusive legal training. The Minister could confirm from inquiries to the Garda training centre that the present level of instruction in court procedure and rules of evidence is inadequate and that the young men leaving training do not have the capacity or the confidence to discharge their job.

(Limerick East): That would be a surprising comment from the people at Templemore because if they are unhappy in this regard it is within their competence to change the system.

How can they change it? They cannot extend the course by a month.

(Limerick East): They can bring gardaí back for in-service training.

That is a trite reply.