asked the Minister for Justice if he will outline the following in relation to the Garda: (a) the number of quarters available for single personnel, with a breakdown of the number built prior to 1920 and in each ten year period since then; (b) the amount charged for such accommodation, the criteria used for setting rents, when rents were last reviewed and how often they are reviewed; (c) the plans, if any, to replace or improve this accommodation; (d) if personnel have to pay for food or rations while on duty and, if so, if he will give details; and (e) if he is satisfied that members who are operating away from base, particularly members on security or checkpoint duty, are adequately catered for with hot meals and if he has received any complaints about this matter.
Written Answers. - Garda Síochána Housing.
With regard to part (a) of the question, living quarters for single gardaí are provided at approximately 150 Garda Stations out of a total of approximately 700 stations. The number of members that can be accommodated varies from station to station. The accommodation was provided during the following periods:—
|
pre 1920 |
42 |
|
1920 - 29 |
44 |
|
1930 - 39 |
30 |
|
1940 - 49 |
20 |
|
1950 - 59 |
8 |
|
1960 - 69 |
5 |
|
1970 - to date |
Nil |
In addition, single accommodation is provided for 300 garda recruits at Templemore Training Centre.
271.
asked the Minister for Justice if arising from his reply to Parliamentary Question No. 335 of 17 December 1980 he will give a breakdown of the accommodation under the following headings: (a) the number of rooms, (b) houses with bathrooms, (c) houses with indoor toilets, (d) houses with outdoor toilets and (e) houses without hot water and the houses which are unsuitable and in need of replacement in the next ten years; if he will give full details of who is responsible for maintenance, and how often houses are inspected and if he will also give full details of (a) the number of houses expected to be required in or being planned for the next ten years and (b) the rent element, if any, in the pay for married or single personnel and if there is such an element in pay, the details.
The position with regard to the first part of this question is that central records are not kept in a form that would enable information in the form sought to be extracted. The information could be got only by circularising every Garda district and sub-district in the country and having returns compiled locally. I do not consider that I would be justified in asking the gardaí to undertake the considerable amount of work which this would entail, bearing in mind that it would involve diverting gardaí from other duties.
As regards the parts of the question which seek information relating to the next ten years, it is not possible to say what number of houses may need to be replaced in that period.
With regard to maintenance, the Office of Public Works are responsible for the maintenance of State-owned accommodation. Maintenance of leased accommodation can be the responsibility of the lessor or the lessee, or can be shared between them, depending on the terms of the particular lease agreement. In the usual course Garda houses are inspected at least annually but more frequent inspections take place as needs dictate.
As regards rent the position is that a rent allowance, separate from pay, is payable. The current rates, effective from 1 March 1980 are £741.43 (for married members) and £556.07 (for single members) per annum.