Vol. 495 No. 4
322 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will extend to 24 hours the opening times of the Garda station at Ballincollig, County Cork; the number of Garda stations in Cork which operate on a 24 hour basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20316/98]
The detailed deployment of Garda personnel to individual areas is a matter for the Garda authorities. They have informed me that the local divisional officer is satisfied that the present opening hours of Ballincollig Garda station are adequate to meet the present policing needs of the area. The staffing of Ballincollig Garda station on a 24-hour basis would mean a reduction in the amount of members available for outdoor patrolling where in the view of Garda management, they can be utilised to best effect. However, I am also informed that the situation is constantly monitored to ensure that an adequate policing service is maintained. I am further informed by the Garda authorities that five Garda stations in the Cork city division operate on a 24-hour basis.
