Vol. 424 No. 8
113 Miss Flaherty asked the Minister for Justice if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Garda manning levels in the Finglas area of Dublin 11 have decreased by one-third in the last ten years although the population in the area has increased by 60,000; the plans, if any, he has to provide additional Gardaí to that area to enable a satisfactory manning level to be maintained on the beat; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The Garda Commissioner is responsible for the assignment of members of the Garda Síochána to individual stations. The strength at Finglas Garda station is 59 at present. This figure compares favourably with a total of 50 in August, 1982. However, this number was increased to 61 by 31 December, 1982 by the Garda authorities in order to tackle particular problems which existed in the area at that time and there has been no significant decrease in the manpower levels in Finglas Garda station since then. On the other hand, the figures for indictable crime for the sub-District of Finglas fell by almost 6 per cent between 1982 and 1991 and by almost 17 per cent between 1989 and 1991.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that foot and mobile patrols are carried out on a regular basis in the Finglas area. The area is also patrolled regularly by members of the Divisional Task Force and the District Detective Unit car. In addition to this, there are five Community Gardaí who keep in close contact with the community through the various Residents' Associations and Neighbourhood Watch Groups in the area. Two civilian clerical staff were assigned to Finglas Garda station during 1990 and this has resulted in the release of two Gardaí from administrative work to outdoor operational duties.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that they are closely monitoring the policing situation in Finglas and they will deploy their resources to maximum effect while taking into account the overall demands on the Force.
