asked the Minister for Justice when he intends to increase the number of gardaí in north Dublin Garda stations, in view of the fact that, according to figures supplied by him in the Dáil, the number of gardaí stationed in inner city Garda stations between 1976 and 1980 has remained static despite increases in crime and population rates.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - North Dublin Garda Strength.
29.
I am unable to see the connection between, on the one hand, figures relating to Garda strength at stations in the inner city, which, of course, includes stations in both the north and south sides of the city centre and, on the other hand, figures relating to stations in north Dublin, which must be taken to refer to stations throughout the whole of the north city area.
At all events, the Deputy is incorrect in his interpretation of the figures which I gave in the Dáil on 22 April last, in relation to Garda strength at inner city stations because, in fact, those figures showed that in all but one case there had been increases in strength between 1 April 1976 and 1 April 1980. The combined strength of the six stations concerned showed an increase of 54 or more than 6 per cent over that period.
Garda strength in north city stations increased by 102, or more than 11 per cent between 31 December 1976 and 30 November 1980. As regards the question of further increases in strength at these stations, the position is that the deployment of Garda manpower is primarily a matter for the Garda authorities, who keep the situation under regular review in the light of changing needs and circumstances. I am informed that as recently as 28 November the number of members in north Dublin stations was increased by nine and that further increases will be considered according as additional manpower becomes available.
I should also point out that manpower figures by themselves can be misleading without reference to the additional patrols being performed on an overtime basis and which have resulted in a significant increase in the number of men on the beat in these areas.
Arising out of the Minister's reply and the question unanswered which I have in front of me, does he accept the facts as quoted by him on 22 April this year in the house that on 1 April 1975 there were 926 gardaí in six city centres stations and on 1 April 1980 there were 940, an increase of 14, less than 14 per cent? In view of the increasing crime pattern in the city and in view of the increasing population trend during those years, does he accept that there has not been in real terms any increase in the number of gardaí despite all the wringing of hands there has been about crime in this area?
I am sorry to have to say that I disagree with the Deputy.
It is the Minister's answer I am quoting.
The fact is that Garda strength in the north city stations has increased by 102 between 31 December 1976 and 30 November 1980. I am informed that as recently as 28 November there was a further increase of nine men there and that further increases will be considered when people are trained. The Deputy knows full well that a new scheme put into operation by the Garda in Dublin with regard to increased beat tolerance, and which got under way in July, has been exceptionally successful in dealing with vandalism and also exceptionally costly. We are very thankful to the members of the force who give up their free day to come in and work at awkward hours when they are called on.
I share the Minister's appreciation of the work done by people like the juvenile liaison officers. Is it not a fact, despite all the talk and all of the headline we create about crime in this city, that in the second half of this decade there has been an increase of only 14 gardaí?
That is not right.
Those figures are there.
The deputy will have to take what I am saying, that in the north city stations there has been an increase of 102.
I am talking about the six inner city stations where there has been a net increase of 14 gardaí.
The deputy talks about the north Dublin Garda stations. I will study what has been said.