Vol. 236 No. 5
asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware of great public disquiet about the proposed reduction in the number of Garda stations and in the strength of the Garda Síochána in rural areas; if the proposals will affect West Galway; and, if so, to what extent.
33.
asked the Minister for Justice the number and the names of the Garda stations in Cork county which it is intended to close; and if he will state his policy in this regard.
: With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Question Nos. 32 and 33 together.
I would refer the Deputies to the reply I gave on 30th May to a Parliamentary Question on this subject. As indicated in that reply, I cannot, pending completion of my examination of Garda organisation, say what stations in particular counties will be closed or reduced.
: The Minister's policy is to denude the countryside of Garda protection——
: Has the Deputy a question to ask?
: I am asking if the Minister has that policy, does he realise that you now have nocturnal excursions by gentlemen from this city and others to whom the unfortunate people in the country will be easy prey? I warn the Minister of that situation. Further, I am asking the Minister what steps are being taken to provide young gardaí or married gardaí who are being transferred with housing——
: These are separate questions.
: When is the Deputy going to finish his speech?
: When is the Minister going to answer? It is in the answers I am interested. Could I get replies? The Minister was very eager to get the questions. I am eager to get the replies.
: Would the Minister now say, or can he give any indication when he will formally decide on policy regarding closing or keeping open garda barracks?
: I expect to be in a position to do so shortly. It is impossible to do a big job like this without having the whole picture before one. My people are preparing details for me and I expect within a month or so to be in a position to announce a decision.
: More TDs and fewer gardaí in the West.
: I understand the Deputy needs a lot of them in Donegal to look after him.
: Is it not the policy of the Government now to have decentralisation in reverse?
: Fewer gardaí and more TDs.
