Charles Flanagan
Question:364 Mr. Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on a further expansion and development of the rural policing scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18683/97]
Written Answers. - Rural Policing Scheme.
The Garda authorities are currently evaluating the operation of the existing rural community policing scheme and reviewing previous proposals for its extension.
I wish to emphasise that no decisions concerning expansion of the scheme have been taken and no such decisions can be taken until proposls are received from the Garda Commissioner. In the circumstances, any comment on my part, at this point in time, concerning expansion and development of the scheme would be pre-emptive.
I would like to point out, however, that there has been some misunderstanding over the years about the objectives of the scheme. It was never designed to close rural Garda stations. It is actually aimed at providing a better service to the community by allowing the gardaí spend more time on active operational duties in their districts including, in particular, visits to the elderly, while at the same time providing for station opening hours which actually suit local community needs.