Tony Killeen
Question:66 Mr. Killeen asked the Minister for Justice if the Garda Sergeant who retired recently at Broadford, County Clare, will be replaced.
Written Answers. - Garda Manpower Levels.
Tony Killeen
Question:67 Mr. Killeen asked the Minister for Justice if she will have Garda manpower levels at Kilkee, County Clare, restored to the 1992 level.
Tony Killeen
Question:68 Mr. Killeen asked the Minister for Justice if she will request the Garda authorities to restore Garda levels at Miltown Malbay, County Clare, to 1992 levels.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 66, 67 and 68 together.
The Garda Commissioner is responsible for the detailed allocation of manpower and resources to individual areas. The sergeant who retired recently at Broadford was replaced by a garda with effect from 28 October, 1993. In these circumstances, the Garda authorities do not consider the filling of the sergeant's vacancy to be a priority.
The 1992 manning levels at Milltown Malbay was one sergeant and three gardaí. The present strength is one sergeant and two gardaí (since 30 November 1993). The Garda authorities consider that the level of manpower is adequate to meet the policing needs of the area.
With regard to the position at Kilkee, I understand that Garda manning levels there remained unchanged over the past three years at one sergeant and one garda until 11 June, 1993 when an additional garda was appointed. A vacancy at the rank of sergeant which arose on 31 October, 1993 was filled on 30 November, 1993. The Garda authorities are satisfied that the present increased manning level of one sergeant and two gardaí adequately meets the needs of the local community.