Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 21 Apr 1999

Vol. 503 No. 4

Written Answers. - Garda Deployment.

Liam Aylward

Question:

174 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the criteria applied by his Department to have a resident garda located in large towns; if a resident garda will be located in a large town (details supplied) in County Kilkenny where the population has increased over the past number of years, where there is an increase in crime and social problems and which is at present serviced, in effect, by gardaí from another county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10442/99]

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

I am not involved in the detailed allocation of Garda personnel to individual areas. This is a matter for the Garda authorities who have advised that the current personnel strength of the station referred to in the question is one garda and that the Garda Human Resource Allocation Model (GHRAM), which takes into account factors such as crime levels, population etc., is part of the criteria used in determining the allocation of Garda personnel to individual areas.

I understand from the Garda authorities that no member of the force can be compelled to reside in a particular area but the factors to be considered in allocating a residential garda to official accommodation in an area would obviously include the availability of suitable official accommodation and the willingness of the incumbent to reside therein. These criteria are incorporated in all circulars issued that are inviting applications to occupy vacancies in official accommodation.

I understand that the population of the sub-district where the town referred to in the question is situated is approximately 3,500, including the population of the town itself which is approximately 690. The Garda station in the town opens for two hours each day on which the member is detailed to work. When the station is unmanned there is a direct communication link with Thurles district headquarters.

I understand that the Garda authorities, in conjunction with the Office of Public Works, are at present seeking a suitable site for a proposed new Garda station in the town.

The recent crime figures pertaining to the town are as follows:

Year	Recorded	Detected	Detection Rate
1996	15	5	33%
1997	18	7	39%
*1998*	23	11	48%

*These figures are provisional.

While there has been an increase in recorded crime in the area, it must also be said that there has been a substantial increase in the detection rate.

The Garda authorities have also informed me that they are satisfied that the current policing arrangements in the town are adequate to meet the policing requirements of the area. There are no plans at present to allocate a residential garda to official accommodation in the station.