156 Mr. O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Justice whether she intends to make arrangements for Regulation 14 gardaí to receive basic Garda training; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24063/96]

157 Mr. O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Justice whether Regulation 14 gardaí are ever involved in ordinary police duties; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24064/96]

166 Mrs. Geoghegan-Quinn asked the Minister for Justice whether staff recruited under Regulation 14 of the Garda Síochána Admissions and Appointments Regulations, 1988, have at any time ever been involved in ordinary police duties; if so, when; whether she intends to enable these staff members to undergo the full Garda training course; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23756/96]

173 Ms M. Fox asked the Minister for Justice if she will consider providing basic Garda training to all Regulation 14 gardaí in view of the fact that Regulation 14 gardaí have in the past been ordered to deal with riot situations (details supplied) without riot training, have had their names used on warrants to search for drugs and have been required to give evidence in court proceedings without knowledge of court proceedings or the laws of evidence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23872/96]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 156, 157, 166 and 173 together.

Regulation 14 of the Garda Síochána (Admissions and Appointments) Regulations 1988 provides for the recruitment of persons to the force who have special technical qualifications. Members recruited under this provision do not have to fulfil all of the admission criteria required of members who are appointed to the regular uniform force.