I propose to take Question Nos. 6, 30 and 71 together.
While there has been a sizeable increase in population of the areas referred to in the questions, the Garda authorities inform me that the present resources at Tallaght and Rathfarnham are adequate to meet the policing needs of these areas. With regard to the provision of an additional Garda station, the Garda authorities are of the view that, quite apart from the capital cost involved, manning it would absorb manpower which could be better used on outdoor patrol duties. The essential point the Garda authorities make is that it is far better to maximise the number of gardaí available for outdoor patrol and crime prevention duties rather than tie up manpower indoors in manning a new station with the additional burden of administrative work which this would inevitably involve.
The present strength of Rathfarnham station is 60 compared with 52 in 1989 and the strength at Tallaght has increased from 101 to 114 over the same period. There are also three civilian clerical staff employed at Rathfarnham and five at Tallaght. Both of these stations are open on a 24-hour basis. The Knocklyon, Scholarstown, Firhouse and Ballyboden areas are patrolled by two community gardaí. They liaise with the local residents through the 21 neighbourhood watch schemes which operate in these areas. They also attend local meetings and meet with public representatives particularly if there are special concerns. In addition, these areas are patrolled daily by other uniformed and plain clothes units.
There are two sergeants and 18 gardaí on community policing duties in the Tallaght area who are involved in maintaining close contact with the community, especially the young people. There are also 32 neighbourhood watch schemes operating in the area. The sub-district of Tallaght is patrolled by uniformed and plain clothes members on foot and by mobile patrols. There is a total of nine vehicles attached to Tallaght Garda station. Of course, the gardaí at Tallaght can call on additional support from outside the district or division when required.
The Garda authorities inform me that the provisional crime figures for 1992 for both the Tallaght and Rathfarnham areas show a welcome decrease over the previous year.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that policing arrangements for the locality are kept under constant review and adjustments are made when required.