asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the action, if any, he will take in relation to the concerns expressed by Dungarvan Urban District Council in relation to the transfer of a garda (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24732/98]
Written Answers - Garda Deployment.
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The detailed deployment of Garda personnel to individual areas is a matter for the Garda authorities. They have informed me that five Garda superintendents have served in the Dungarvan Garda District since 1991. Their respective periods of tenure were January 1990 to June 1995, June 1995 to February 1996, February 1996 to July 1997, July 1997 to March 1998 and July 1998 to October 1998 The Gardaa Authorities have also informed me there are no general rules governing the length of time that a member of the Garda Síochána serves at any centre. Transfers, for instance, may be temporary or permanent in nature and implemented in the best interests of the service. Movement of members will arise for a variety of reasons, including the exigencies of the service, promotion and special unforeseen circumstances.
I am further informed that, while the length of service of a superintendent in a particular district should be of sufficient duration to permit continuity in dealing with ongoing problems, this can be difficult to achieve. The Garda authorities have, however, advised that it is hoped to increase the length of service of superintendents in the Dungarvan Garda District in the near future.