asked the Minister for Justice if he has any proposals (a) to open additional smaller Garda stations in County Wexford; and (b) to increase the number of gardaí in rural Garda stations in County Wexford, particularly in stations from which only one garda is presently operating.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Wexford Garda Strength.
6.
(Limerick East): There are no proposals at present to provide additional stations in County Wexford.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that, having regard to overall resources, the current Garda strength assigned to stations in County Wexford is reasonably adequate to meet the police needs of the county. There are no proposals at present to allocate additional gardaí to stations in County Wexford but the question of filling vacancies for sergeant at some centres will be considered when additional sergeants become available from the current promotion competition.
Has the Minister any plans to increase the Garda strength in rural areas in the winter, bearing in mind the serious disturbances which took place in such areas, with people being mugged in their homes.
Deputy, this question deals with County Wexford and County Wexford only.
It deals with County Wexford which is very much a rural area. I am asking about rural areas in general.
I am ruling that this question is particular to County Wexford and I am not allowing any other questions.
In relation to County Wexford, which has a very large rural hinterland, has the Minister any plans to increase Garda strength in the rural areas for the purpose of protecting old people in their homes over the winter months?
(Limerick East): Priority Question No. 36 is along the lines asked by the Deputy for the whole country. It has been put down by Deputy Woods, so we probably should wait until then.
I think the Deputy has a priority question down on this matter.