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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 7 Oct 1992

Vol. 423 No. 1

Written Answers. - Cork Garda Strength.

Peter Barry

Question:

176 Mr. Barry asked the Minister for Justice if he has satisfied himself with Garda strength in Cork city; if it meets with the requirements of the senior Garda officers there; if, he has further satisfied himself that the Gardaí have sufficient motorised patrols operating in the city, to combat the present level of crime in Cork.

The assignment of Garda manpower and resources to individual areas is a matter for the Garda authorities. The current Garda strength in Cork city is 578. I understand from the Garda authorities that they are satisfied with the level of motorised patrols operating in the city and that the overall operational strength in the city is adequate to meet the policing needs of the area. They continuously monitor manpower levels and other policing arrangements to ensure that the maximum utilisation of resources is achieved.

The Garda authorities have introduced a number of measures designed to increase the operational efficiency of the Force to combat crime in Cork city. One of these measures was the establishment of a uniformed Crime Task Force to respond to areas of high crime incidence. In addition, eight members of the Force in the Division have been released from clerical duties to outdoor police work through the employment of clerical assistance. The question of further civilianisation is currently under review by the Garda authorities.
The latest crime statistics for Cork are contained in the Commissioner's Report on Crime for 1991. A copy of this report is available in the Oireachtas Library.
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