24th November 2003

PRESS RELEASE

OUT-SOURCING OR PRIVATISATION? GREENS CALL ON MCDOWELL TO CLARIFY GARDA CHANGES

The Green Party has called on the Minister for Justice Michael McDowell TD to clarify reports that he is considering out-sourcing certain Garda activities.

Green Party Justice spokesperson, Ciarán Cuffe TD, said today "The Minister's remarks come weeks after his announcement that he intends to
privatise the prison escort service and move the management for two prisons outside the Prison Service unless agreement is reached with the Prison Officers Association."

"We would be delighted to see more efficiency in Garda operations, but not at the cost of privatisation. We welcome Garda reform, but we would be concerned if changes are driven by the ideology of the market, rather than by the need for efficiency," concluded Deputy Cuffe.

Ends