Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 25 Jul 1996

Vol. 468 No. 4

Written Answers. - Garda Deployment.

Micheál Martin

Question:

592 Mr. Martin asked the Minister for Justice her views on the current numerical strength of the Garda Síochána in the Carrigaline area of County Cork; and if she will allocate additional resources to ensure a greater number of gardaí in this particular area. [15335/96]

Minister for Justice (Mrs. Owen)

The Garda authorities are responsible for the detailed allocation of Garda personnel and resources to individual areas. They have informed me that the present strength of Carrigaline Garda station is two sergeants and ten gardaí. I understand that the strength of Carrigaline station will be examined, in conjunction with the needs of other stations, districts and divisions, when gardaí next become available for allocation.

Micheál Martin

Question:

593 Mr. Martin asked the Minister for Justice her views on the current numerical strength of the Garda Síochána in Cork city; and if she will allocate additional resources to ensure a greater number of Gardaí on the streets of Cork. [15336/96]

Minister for Justice (Mrs. Owen)

The detailed allocation of Garda personnel and resources to individual areas is a matter for the Garda authorities. They have informed me that the Cork City Division comprises the Anglesea Street, Togher, Mayfield and Gurranabraher Garda districts.

The current total strength of the division is 549, which is made up of the following ranks:

Rank	Number
Chief Superintendent	1
Superintendent	5
Inspector	12
Sergeant	92
Garda	439
Total	549

The total divisional strengths — all ranks — for the previous two years were: 31 December 1994, 570; 31 December 1995, 560.

The decreased in strength is attributable to the fact that Fermoy, which was part of the Cork City Division, is now a divisional headquarters in its own right. I understand from the Garda authorities that the question of allocating additional gardaí to the Cork City Division will be examined, in conjunction with the needs of other divisions in the country, when gardaí next become available for allocation.