Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 24 Feb 1998

Vol. 487 No. 6

Written Answers - Garda Deployment.

Ulick Burke

Question:

297 Mr. U. Burke asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will restore Garda strength to that of the level of one year ago at Loughrea Garda station, County Galway, in view of the fact that now there are two sergeants fewer and it has one of the lowest staffing numbers in any district headquarters in the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4985/98]

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

The Garda authorities are responsible for the detailed deployment of Garda personnel to individual areas. They have informed me that the strength of Loughrea Garda station over the past three years and to date is as follows:

Loughrea Garda Station

Year	Superintendent	Sergeant	Garda	Total
31-12-1995	1	4	22	27
31-12-1996	1	2	20	23
31-12-1997	1	3	21	25
31-1-1998	1	3	21	25

As the above figures indicate, the overall strength of the station is now higher than it was one year ago. The personnel needs of every district and division are kept under regular review in the context of local policing requirements. The Garda authorities have assured me that when additional personnel next become available for allocation the needs of the Galway division will be fully considered in conjunction with the needs of other divisions throughout the country.