asked the Minister for Justice if he will allocate extra gardaí to County Kerry for the holiday season.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Kerry Garda Strength.
9.
I am informed by the Commissioner that it is intended to allocate four extra gardaí to the Kerry division this week. He has also stated that it is usual for some redeployment of manpower to be made within the division to take account of the requirements of particular areas during the summer season. The police needs of the division will be further considered according as extra gardaí become available for assignment.
Does the Minister accept that in view of the extra population in Kerry during the summer months there is serious need for extra gardaí in the county especially in the seaside resorts? Is he satisfied that four extra gardaí will be sufficient?
I am satisfied that the Garda Commissioner is fully aware of the requirements of County Kerry so far as policing for the holiday season is concerned. It was with this in mind that the Commissioner decided that extra gardaí be assigned immediately to the county. I am aware of the influx of visitors during the summer season and I am sure the Commissioner is aware of this also. If he considers it necessary to send more gardaí to County Kerry I know he will do so.
Will the Minister tell the House where the four gardaí will go?
The Deputy knows that it is not my business.
Will the Minister give the House an assurance that there will be no cutback on overtime for gardaí already in County Kerry in view of the fact that £300,000 was not spent in last year's Estimate?
If the Deputy would like to put the subject matter of that supplementary question—it is entirely separate from the question on the Order Paper—in a question for next week——
The Minister spent his holidays there——
Not alone do I spend my holidays there but many of my family are there, as the Deputy knows.
Will the Minister give the House an assurance that the four extra gardaí will not be covering the Minister?
If the Deputy wants me to keep away from Kerry I will try to oblige him.
I am calling Question No. 10.