State Papers – 1977: Ministers lock horns over Garda numbers

A DISPUTE, between heads in the departments of justice and finance during the Fine Gael-Labour Coalition in 1976, erupted over Garda resources, which saw a series of heated missives fired back and forth between ministers.

Minister for Justice Pat Cooney wanted resources for 500 more gardaí, but the Department of Finance criticised his submission to Cabinet. Finance Minister Richie Ryan attacked his department’s “logorrhea” adding it was small wonder expenditure got out of control with millions spent on “flimsy grounds”.

Mr Cooney said he was under “great” pressure to boost Garda numbers, due to IRA threats and general public safety. However, his sudden move to seek approval for the gardaí from Taoiseach Liam Cosgrave and the Cabinet was highly criticised by Mr Ryan.