asked the Minister for Justice the number of gardaí stationed in Cork City in 1979, 1980, 1981 and 1982.
251.
Written Answers. - Cork Garda Numbers.
250.
asked the Minister for Justice the number of gardaí operating on foot patrols in Cork City.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 250 and 251 together.
The number of members of all ranks of the Garda Síochána assigned to stations in Cork city in each of the years 1979, 1980, 1981 and 1982 was as follows: 31 December 1979, 466; 31 December 1980, 484; 31 December 1981, 499; 30 April 1982, 498.
The precise arrangements made for the allocation of manpower between foot patrols and other duties in any particular area are matters for the Garda officers concerned. The number of gardaí on foot patrol in Cork city varies considerably from time to time and depends on factors such as available resources, local circumstances, other demands for Garda services and the time of day or night.
252.
asked the Minister for Justice if he intends to open Shandon Street, Garda Station, Cork City on a 24-hour basis; and if he intends to provide a 24-hour foot patrol service in this operational area.
Shandon Garda Station is open from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. The Garda authorities have informed me that the present opening hours of the station have been so fixed as to enable the station party to carry out the maximum amount of out-door police duties while maintaining an adequate office service. They consider that an extension of the opening hours would not be feasible at present having regard to the current strength of the station party but the matter will be kept under review according as the additional manpower at present in training becomes available for assignment.
Foot and mobile patrols are performed in the Shandon area by members of the station party at Shandon up to 11 p.m. each night. When the local station is closed, the area is covered by foot and mobile patrols performed by members operating from other Cork city stations which are open on a 24-hour basis.