asked the Minister for Justice, in the light of the increasing incidence of crimes involving firearms, the plans he has to provide members of the Garda Síochána with bullet-proof vests, especially in view of the fact that such devices have saved several hundred police officers in the US since their introduction over a decade ago.

(Limerick East): The Garda Síochána already have a substantial stock of what are popularly called bullet-proof vests and, while it is intended to buy some additional supplies, the existing stocks and their distribution are such that the Garda authorities regard the position as satisfactory.

I do not think it would be in the public interest or in the interests of members of the force that I should go into any detail.

Can the Minister give a categoric assurance to the House that all the necessary equipment required by the Garda in the present situation is being made available to them?

(Limerick East): Yes.