Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 8 Oct 1996

Vol. 469 No. 5

Written Answers. - Redeployment of Gardaí.

Eric J. Byrne

Question:

177 Mr. E. Byrne asked the Minister for Justice the number of gardaí who were sent to patrol the Border during the BSE scare from Garda stations in Crumlin Village, Sundrive Road, Kevin Street, Kilmainham, Rathmines and Terenure; the number of gardaí who were stationed at these stations prior to their dispersal to the Border; the number of such gardaí who will be returning to their respective stations in these areas; and the number of additional gardaí who will be allocated to these stations during the planned forthcoming restructuring. [17638/96]

Dermot Ahern

Question:

188 Mr. D. Ahern asked the Minister for Justice whether Garda BSE checkpoints are to be taken from the Border area and redeployed in the Dublin area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17740/96]

Minister for Justice (Mrs. Owen)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 177 and 188 together.

The Garda authorities are responsible for the detailed allocation of Garda resources and personnel to different areas. They have expressed concern, and I share that concern, about supplying the kind of detailed information sought by Deputy Byrne, on the grounds of security and in the interest of crime prevention generally.

The Garda authorities have informed me that all members temporarily transferred to divisions currently involved in the BSE operation will return to their respective stations on termination of duty. They have also informed me that up to 6 October 1996, 165 members from the Dublin Metropolitan Area were on temporary transfer to Border divisions.

Following a recent review of the BSE operation, the Garda authorities inform me that these members are being withdrawn and as of 15 October 1996 there will be no gardaí from DMA divisions directly involved in the BSE operation.

The allocation of Garda personnel is continually reviewed and the Garda authorities state that the number of gardaí who will be allocated to specific stations in the future will be considered, in conjunction with the needs of other stations, districts and divisions, as Garda personnel become available and policing needs dictate.