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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 17 Feb 1993

Vol. 426 No. 2

Ceisteanna-Questions. Oral Answers. - Closure of Garda Stations.

Jim Higgins

Question:

10 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Justice the number of Garda stations which have been closed down in each of the years from 1988 to 1992; the location of these stations; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

No Garda stations have been closed down in the period in question.

While there may have been no closures prior to the period in question there was a spate of closures since. Is the Minister aware that while there is a relatively low level of what might be called indigenous crime in rural Ireland in particular, there is a new phenomenon in that mobile squads of thugs and criminals descend on rural Ireland, particularly remote areas, and petrify thousands of people at night? The number of those crimes has increased and the fact that there is not a visible presence of gardaí on the streets in rural areas has contributed to this.

The Deputy is enlarging considerably on the subject matter of his question which was rather statistical and asked for the number of Garda stations which were closed down in specified years. Policy matters may not be raised now.

Will the Minister address the final part of my question and make a statement on the matter.

That is added to almost all questions. I must proceed to Question No. 11, Deputy Durkan's question.

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