Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 11 May 1995

Vol. 452 No. 7

Written Answers. - Garda Statistics.

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

13 Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice the number of gardaí posted to Mill Street Garda Barracks, Galway, on 1 April 1995; the comparative figure for 1 April 1994; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7414/95]

Minister for Justice (Mrs. Owen)

The strength at Mill Street Garda station in Galway was 134 gardaí on 1 April 1995 compared to 151 gardaí on 1 April 1994. The reduction in numbers is partly due to the creation of a district headquarters at Salthill in May 1994 when 12 members of the Force were transferred there from Mill Street. Prior to that, Salthill was policed from Mill Street. When Salthill became a district headquarters it made sense to transfer the relevant gardaí there.

A district headquarters will always have a higher number of gardaí than a regular Garda station but these additional numbers are to cover a whole District's needs. The number of gardaí assigned to a district office although physically based in a district town, do not form part of the standard assignment for the town in which they are situated but cover the additional duties attached to a district headquarters. The actual difference from 1 April 1994 to 1 April 1995 is five gardaí due to retirements, transfers on promotion, etc. The Garda authorities are satisfied that the strength at Mill Street is adequate to meet the policing needs of Galway city but they are keeping the position under review.