Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 7 Mar 2000

Vol. 515 No. 6

Written Answers. - Garda Equipment.

Ivor Callely

Question:

21 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the Garda vehicles available to each station in the J district; if each station has a minimum of vehicles available at all times; if his attention has been drawn to any shortage of required vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6690/00]

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

The Garda authorities are responsible for the day to day management of the force and they have informed me that there are 20 Garda vehicles currently allocated to J district which comprises Raheny, Howth and Clontarf stations.

I am further informed that other vehicles regularly patrol this district from specialised units and that the divisional officer can allocate extra vehicles from time to time depending on operational requirements.

I am also informed that the Garda authorities are satisfied that the number of vehicles that are currently available is sufficient to respond promptly to call outs in the area concerned. The Deputy will, however, appreciate that the response to any call out is dependent on the number and nature of such calls received at any given time and the priority, whether emergency or otherwise, attaching thereto. This will invariably mean that response times can vary.