asked the Minister for Justice what steps are being taken to increase the number of gardaí attached to stations in rural areas; and what percentage of the proposed new intake of recruits will be allocated to such areas.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Garda Rural Strength.
41.
As I announced recently, the overall strength of the Garda Síochána is being increased by a further 600 in addition to the extra 400 already approved. The policing requirements of any area are dependent on the incidence of crime from time to time in that area and other relevant factors. I am not in a position at present to give any precise indication of the areas to which the additional recruits will be assigned.
Would the Minister assure the House that the wholly inadequate staffing of Garda stations in rural areas will be satisfactorily dealt with?
The Deputy and the House can be assured that there will be no more closures of Garda stations in rural areas.
What about increasing the strength in the smaller stations? I do not think that one garda and one sergeant is sufficient.
Garda strength will be increased where police requirements warrant it.
Did I understand from the Minister's reply that any area which can push up its crime rate sufficiently will have its Garda Síochána force increased?
That is a rather facetious question.
I thought the Minister's answer was badly drafted.
Can the Minister state in the case of Garda stations which are under notice of closure whether such notice will be lifted? Will they be kept open?
No more stations will be closed. My colleague said this at the Fianna Fáil Ard-Fheis.
He said too much there and the Government will rue the day.