THE Garda Siochana has ordered tents for putting over the bodies of people shot dead in the streets, or strangled and dumped in open areas.
Selected gardai have been sent on one day training courses to learn how to erect them.
The State pathologist, Dr John Harbison, has made it clear that he is tired of the difficulties of having to carry out his scene of crime work under blankets and behind makeshift screens.
Last week Dr Harbison asked the Garda Commissioner, Mr Pat Byrne, whether new tents could be supplied. Mr Byrne said they would be available "in two weeks."
The publication in newspapers of photographs of the body of Michael Brady, shot dead on Dublin's quays on September 5th may have also raised concerns about sudden death becoming public death.
There were 41 known murders in 1995, according to Garda figures, compared with 25 the previous year. There are no official figures available for murders or unlawful killings so far this year, but the estimate is about 40.
A large proportion of the State's annual murder toll involves people who are killed and whose bodies are found outdoors and in public areas. Many killings over the last two years have been "gangland" shootings, which often involves the killer approaching his victim in a public place.
A number of gardai have now been trained in the use of the new tents.