asked the Minister for Justice when the next enrolment of gardaí will take place; and the number to be enrolled.
Written Answers. - Garda Síochána.
569.
The next intake of recruits will take place on 12 May 1982 when 17 recruits will be appointed. This will bring the total number of recruits in training at the Garda Training Centre, Templemore, to 300 which is the existing maximum capacity of the centre.
Arrangements are already in train to accelerate the intake of recruits and to provide increased accommodation and facilities at the training centre.
570.
asked the Minister for Justice if he will arrange to have a garda stationed in the village of Legan, County Longford in view of the fact that the station serving this village is situated over six miles away and is itself inadequately manned.
The detailed deployment of members of the Force is a matter to be decided primarily by the commissioner and the precise arrangements for policing particular local areas are made by or in consultation with the local Garda officers.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that, in addition to the coverage afforded from Ballynacargy station, Legan receives attention from the district patrol car based at Granard and from the traffic corps at Longford and the task force at Mullingar. They also state that they consider that the current strength at Ballynacargy station and the present arrangements for policing the village of Legan are adequate for the present needs of the area. In the circumstances the allocation of a garda to Legan would not be warranted.
571.
asked the Minister for justice if he will state for the year ended 5 April 1982 the highest sum paid by way of overtime to a member of the Garda Síochána; the number of members in receipt of such sum or sums within £500 thereof; and the ranks of such members.
The highest sum paid by way of overtime to a member of the Garda Síochána during the year ended 5 April 1982 was £11,589.51. One member of the Force received overtime payments which amounted to within £500 of that sum during the same period. Both of the members concerned were of garda rank.
In both cases, it may be taken that the figures would include a sum in respect of overtime worked in the preceding year and, on the other hand, would not include a sum for overtime worked during the year but not paid for until the following year. The amounts in question would be quite small and, roughly speaking, would cancel each other out.