Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 30 Jun 1998

Vol. 493 No. 3

Written Answers. - Garda Deployment.

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

357 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the proposals, if any, he has to increase resources necessary to enable the Garda Commissioner to allocate additional gardaí to Galway. [15617/98]

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

I am informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of Garda personnel to individual areas, that the personnel strength of Galway Garda Station for the past three years and to date is as follows:

Date	Strength (all ranks)
31/12/1995	126
31/12/1996	131
31/12/1997	131
31/05/1998	134

I also understand from the Garda authorities that it is intended to allocate three probationer gardaí to Galway Garda station from a class being attested early next month. This allocation will be further augmented by the scheduled transfer of five additional gardaí to Galway Garda station shortly.

The above statistics reflect the fact that the personnel strength of the force in Galway City has improved considerably in recent years and the planned allocation of the additional personnel, as already outlined, will improve the situation even more.

The Garda authorities have also assured me that the Garda personnel situation in Galway city will continue to be monitored and reviewed. They have further informed me that each time additional personnel 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.