Mary O'Rourke
Question:134 Mrs. O'Rourke asked the Minister for Justice the reason a replacement garda was not appointed to Rathowen, County Westmeath, in spite of the fact that Deputy O'Rourke was informed that this was being done. [3477/96]
Written Answers. - Replacement of County Westmeath Gardaí.
As I indicated in my reply to Question No. 184 of 6 February 1996 the vacancy was filled on 9 January 1996.
Mary O'Rourke
Question:135 Mrs. O'Rourke asked the Minister for Justice the reason a replacement garda was not appointed to Kilbeggan, County Westmeath, in spite of the fact that Deputy O'Rourke was informed that this was being done. [3478/96]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 185 of 6 February 1996.
The allocation of Garda personnel to different areas is the responsibility of the Garda authorities. They have informed me that following the retirement of a garda on 23 September 1995, the Garda strength at Kilbeggan station has been one sergeant and two gardaí. The Garda authorities reviewed the situation following this retirement and they are satisfied that the current strength at Kilbeggan station is adequate in meeting the policing needs of the Kilbeggan area.