Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 7 Nov 1996

Vol. 471 No. 3

Written Answers. - Garda Deployment.

Hugh Byrne

Question:

55 Mr. H. Byrne asked the Minister for Justice if her attention has been drawn to the fact that there has been no sergeant in Carrigbyrne, County Wexford, since 1 June 1996; if her attention has been further drawn to the fact that the garda assigned is on the Border and that the area is partially serviced from New Ross; the reason, in view of this unsatisfactory situation, her Department has indicated that the sergeant will not be replaced; if she will immediately rescind this decision and appoint a sergeant and Garda to this area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20707/96]

Minister for Justice (Mrs. Owen)

The Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of Garda personnel and resources to individual areas, have informed me that the position in relation to the allocation of a Sergeant to Carrickbyrne Garda Station remains as outlined in my reply to the Deputy's previous Parliamentary Question of 16 October, 1996 No. 134) in relation to this matter.

I have been informed by the Garda authorities that the garda permanently attached to Carrickbyrne Station was temporarily transferred to Border duty from 9 September to 5 November 1996, and has been reassigned to Carrickbyrne. However, I understand that during that period a member from New Ross Garda Station was assigned responsibility for providing a policing service on a daily basis to the Carrickbyrne area. The Garda authorities have informed me that they are satisfied that the policing arrangements in place for the Carrickbyrne sub-district are adequate to meet current policing needs.