asked the Minister for Justice the action which will be taken to protect businesses in the inner city especially in the case of a business (details supplied).

I understand from the Garda authorities that the owner of the business in question was given advice on crime prevention by the gardaí recently and that he has taken the necessary steps to protect his premises. The precise arrangements for the policing of particular areas are an operational matter for determination by the Garda authorities who have informed me that the present policing arrangments in the areas in question are being monitored and alternative arrangements will be considered if this proves necessary.

In relation to this question——

This is a specific question dealing with a specific area.

It is about protecting business in the city centre.

It deals only with a special area.

It is an example of what has happened in a number of cases.

Deputies seem to be determined to use every device at their disposal to ensure that Question Time will not work.

I wish only to ask a simple supplementary question. Will the Minister provide the necessary protection for businesses in that area?

Where?

In the area specified in the centre of the city. It is not just a question of one business only. It relates to the question I asked earlier about trying to prevent crimes occurring.

I have pointed out already in answer to a previous question that preventive patrolling is part of the job of the Special Task Force. By definition, it is part of ordinary police patrolling. However, I would point out — and this case illustrates what I mean — that it is not just a matter for the gardaí. A certain role can be played by individuals in the protection of their businesses. The Garda have made resources available to ensure that advice is readily available to people who wish to take security advice from them.