(Dublin South-Central) asked the Minister for Justice what is the present numerical strength of the Ban-Ghardaí in the Dublin Metropolitan area.
56.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Strength of Ban-Ghardaí.
55.
asked the Minister for Justice if he will consider increasing the numerical strength of the Ban-Ghardaí, so that adequate forces will be available to deal with offences against women and children.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 55 and 56 together.
The present strength of the Ban-Ghardaí is 26, of whom 16 are allocated to the Dublin Metropolitan Area. The Commissioner has assured me that the present strength is sufficient to deal with duties which arise in connection with the prevention or detection of offences against women and children.
I do not doubt that the Minister believes the force is adequate but would he ask them to patrol O'Connell Street where the children of itinerants are exposed at night to all sorts of dangers? They are exposed also to the cold night air. I have not seen a ban-gharda in O'Connell Street at night.
That is an exaggeration.
Question No. 57 withdrawn.