(Cavan) asked the Minister for Justice the total strength, including the number of stations and men, of the Garda Síochána in County Mayo (a) at present and (b) at 1st January, 1957; and the number of Garda stations in Country Mayo which have been closed since 1957.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Mayo Garda Strength.
98.
At present there are 39 stations and 185 members of the Force in County Mayo. On 1st January, 1957, the corresponding figures were 42 and 248.
Three stations have been closed in the county since 1957.
Is the Minister aware that the people in rural areas are seriously concerned because of the lack of protection? Would the Minister see that overtime is paid to gardaí who would protect the people? It is sometimes difficult to get a garda now even during the daytime.
Crime figures for Mayo are exceptionally low. In fact, they are 2.2 per cent of the population compared with an average of 10 per cent for the whole country. I do not think the problem in Mayo is as bad as it is in other places.