Vol. 430 No. 6
75 Mr. Killeen asked the Minister for Justice if her attention has been drawn to the widespread concern in County Clare, arising from recent reports that five sergeants and five gardaí, who are due to retire in 1993, will not be replaced in the county; and if she will ensure that manpower levels be maintained.
The Garda Authorities inform me that the current Garda manpower in County Clare is 219, which shows an increase of six over the equivalent figure for 1990. Any change in this situation would be a matter in the first place for Garda management who are responsible for the allocation of staffing resources and who make their decisions on the basis of their best professional judgment as to the requirements of particular areas from time to time.
I have no indication from the Garda Authorities at present that there will be any reduction in the staffing levels in County Clare.
76 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Justice if she will give details, on a divisional basis in the Dublin area, of the number of gardaí who are available each shift for foot patrol; and if she has satisfied herself that there are sufficient gardaí on patrol.
I have consulted with the Commissioner of An Garda Síochána on the desirability of supplying the detailed information which the Deputy has sought. The Commissioner is opposed to such information being made available on the grounds of security and crime prevention generally. I am in agreement with the Commissioner on this matter.
However, I can inform the Deputy that the current strength of each of the five Garda Divisions in the DMA is as follows: DMA North, 763; DMA South, 660; DMA East, 465; DMA North Central, 550; DMA South Central, 711.
The Garda authorities are satisfied that, within available resources, there are sufficient gardaí on foot patrol duties in the Dublin area and all members on such duties are deployed in the most efficient manner possible.
