asked the Minister for Justice if he has seen reports that at Finglas, Dublin, the Garda Station which was originally built to accommodate one sergeant and four Gardaí now accommodates twenty-nine men; and that the members of the force are finding it impossible to carry on under such conditions; if he will indicate the living accommodation, size of rooms and sanitary accommodation available at this station; and if it is a fact that the bedrooms have been used for offical purposes.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Finglas (Dublin) Garda Station.
17.
I have seen the newspaper report referred to which grossly misrepresents the position.
This station, of the bunglow type, was erected in 1934 and provided married quarters for a Sergeant and a station unit with sleeping accommodation for four single Gardaí. Due to the development of the area the married quarters were dispensed with in 1953 and the premises were adapted to provide additional office accommodation.
The present strength of the Station is 30 members of whom 26 are living out. The remaining 4 members, who are unmarried are, accommodated in two bedrooms measuring, approximately, 150 and 140 square feet. A bathroom and two toilets are provided.
I have been informed by the Commissioner that no complaints have been received in regard to the inadequacy of the accommodation provided and that, ordinarily, no difficulty has been experienced by the station party in carrying out the duties of the station. The bedrooms are not now used for official purposes but I have ascertained that in the past a bedroom was used on very rare occasions by a resident Garda for official purposes when the dayroom and interview room were fully occupied.
Does the parlimentary Secretary agree that the quarters in which the Gardaí are living cannot be looked and, for some reason or other, they must remain open? Would the Parliamentary Secretary ensure that Gardaí who are living in will be given some degree of privacy rather than have the door unlocked all the time?
I have no information that the quarters cannot be locked, but I shall look into the matter.
Does the Parliamentary Secretary agree that the quarters in which the Gardaí are living are in accordance with the usual standards?
I do, yes.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary have any objection, with the approval of the Minister for Justice, to permitting me to visit the Garda Station in question?
That is a matter to which I would have to give very serious consideration.
I would be very glad if the Parliamentary Secretary would give the approval because my information does not correspond with his.
Another hoax.
Now, no talk.