Vol. 402 No. 1
199 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Justice whether it is proposed to rationalise or diminish, either in terms of numbers or current staff complement, the services provided by rural Garda stations in County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
There are no plans to close or downgrade, or reduce the services provided by, any rural Garda station.
As I have already announced publicly, Garda management, in consultation with officials of my Department and with the Garda Representative Associations, are engaged in a review of current policing systems to see whether they fully meet the needs of the public or whether, by reorganisation or other means, they can be made more efficient, modern and more responsive to community needs. No decisions have yet been taken on foot of the review. I am acutely conscious of the advantages which accrue to both the public and the Garda Síochána from the close relationship which has traditionally existed between them and I am determined that if any changes are introduced they will in no way interfere with this.
