Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 17 Feb 1998

Vol. 487 No. 3

Written Answers. - Garda Deployment.

Ulick Burke

Question:

274 Mr. U. Burke asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí employed at Garda stations in Galway west division and Galway east Roscommon division in each of the years from 1995 to date in 1998; the additional funding, resources and technology provided during these periods; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4078/98]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue)

The Garda authorities are responsible for the detailed deployment of Garda personnel and resources to individual areas. They have expressed concern, and I share that concern, about providing the detailed information sought by the Deputy on the grounds of security and in the interests of crime prevention generally. I propose, therefore, to provide the detail on a district basis.

Galway West Division — Garda Strengths (all ranks)

District	31-12-1995	31-12-1996	31-12-1997	31-1-1998
Galway	142	150	151	152
Clifden	24	26	26	25
Loughrea	41	37	37	38
Salthill	70	67	65	66
Gort	31	31	32	33

Roscommon-Galway East Division — Garda Strengths (all ranks)

District	31-12-1995	31-12-1996	31-12-1997	31-1-1998
Roscommon	65	65	65	66
Ballinasloe	50	51	50	49
Boyle	35	32	32	32
Castlerea	35	37	36	37
Tuam	50	46	48	49

Galway West Division — Technology provided 1995 to date by district

Technology	Loughrea	Clifden	Salthill	Gort	Galway
PC's	4	1	1	1	8
Laptops	–	–	–	–	2
Printers	2*	1	1	1	5
Mainframe Link-HQ	–	–	–	–	3
Mainframe Printer	–	–	–	–	1

*Scanner facilities to Loughrea District also.

Galway East-Roscommon Division — Technology provided 1995 to date by District

Technology	Roscommon	Boyle	Ballinasloe	Castlerea	Tuam
PC's	6	1	4	1	2
Laptops	1	–	–	–	–
Printers	3	1	2*	1	1
Mainframe Link-HQ	2	–	–	–	–
Mainframe Printer	1	–	–	–	–

*Two printers assigned to Mountbellew Station in 1995-96 Area HQ for rural policing.

The Garda authorities have informed me that telephony systems have been replaced and are being upgraded on an ongoing basis in stations throughout both divisions. The current national radio network is being supported. I understand that hand portables and mobiles have been replaced during the period and that plans are being developed for the replacement of the national radio network with new digital technology.

The deployment of official vehicles within a particular division is a matter for the divisional officer. I understand from the Garda authorities that the total number of vehicles and motorcycles allocated to the Galway West Division is 34 and for the Roscommon-Galway East Division is 25. In addition, vehicles attached to other specialised units within the Garda Síochána are available to provide assistance and patrolling duties to areas within the divisions both generally and as special needs arise.

The Garda authorities further inform me that the provision of funds is controlled by their finance section and that every application for same is dealt with on a meritorious basis. They add that extra resources may be provided as the need arises from other Garda divisions.