asked the Minister for Justice the number of Gardaí working in the Dublin Metropolitan area who are of Dublin origin.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that records are not maintained in a way that would enable this information to be readily provided. Compilation of this information would require the diversion of gardaí from more pressing duties, for a disproportionate amount of time, which would not be justified.

I am not surprised the Minister has not got this type of information available to him. Meaning no disrespect to any other county, but if there is a preponderance of Dublin men with accents like mine operating as gardaí in Cork, it might cause some alienation. Will the Minister ensure, as best he can, that gardaí located in the Dublin Metropolitan Area can relate to the people they serve and that, by and large, they come from that region?

First, in regard to the difficulties the Deputy foresees in regard to gardaí with Dublin accents in Cork I can assure the Deputy and the House that it is ever so easy to become familiar with the Cork accent; indeed it is ever so easy to acquire a Cork accent. With regard to who decides who goes where, the Deputy knows that is a matter entirely for the Commissioner of the Garda Síochána but I will convey the Deputy's views on the subject to the Commissioner.

Will the Minister ensure there is no prejudice against Garda personnel from the country operating in Dublin? In view of the fact that this is Millennium year in Dublin, is the "Are you there, Moriarty?" concept to be struck from Deputy Mitchell's remarks?

Dublin for the Dubliners? I doubt that.