asked the Minister for Justice the number of extra gardaí it is intended to allocate to the seaside resort of Ardmore, County Waterford for the coming summer season.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Ardmore (Waterford) Garda Strength.
6.
The Garda authorities report that it is intended to allocate one extra garda to Ardmore for the coming summer season.
I do not regard that as sufficient.
Neither the Deputy nor I is the person to decide what is sufficient in a particular area, having regard to the availability of manpower. The Garda Commissioner has the responsibility of deciding how best to deploy these people and he makes the decision.
Resorts such as Ardmore have been destroyed because of inadequate Garda protection or presence during the summer season. I would ask the Minister to increase the number of gardaí there.
What the Deputy is saying is not right and proper having regard to facts. I have many statistics here in my supplementary brief which I can forward to the Deputy which will enlighten him as to the extent of the need for further gardaí in the area.
What is not in the statistics is important. Criminals are not being apprehended.
May I ask one brief supplementary question?
Provided it is a question.
I only ask questions. Would the Minister indicate whether there is in the context of this general question a tightening or restriction of overtime of gardaí at present?
The question refers to Ardmore. It is a local question.
(Interruptions.)