Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 7 Jun 2000

Vol. 520 No. 4

Written Answers. - Garda Numbers.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

196 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to a Garda manpower shortage at Athenry, County Galway; if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that there are break-ins taking place in the town with alarming regularity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16029/00]

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

I have been informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of personnel to an individual area, that the current personnel strength of Athenry Garda station is one sergeant and two gardaí. There is also one neighbourhood watch scheme and two community alert schemes in the Athenry sub-district.

I am also informed that the allocation of personnel is reviewed on an ongoing basis and when additional personnel next become available the needs of Athenry Garda Station will be fully considered in the overall context of the policing needs of other Garda stations throughout the country.

I am also informed that the figures for indictable crimes reported/detected for the period 31 December 1994 to 31 December 1998 are as set out as follows:

Year	Recorded	Detected
1994	54	32 (59%)
1995	41	15 (36%)
1996	30	10 (33%)
1997	29	9 (31%)
1998	29	13 (45%)

Provisional crime figures for the period 1 January to 31 September 1999 show an increase in the number of crimes committed, in comparison with 1998, with the detection rate for the period remaining broadly similar to that for 1998.

I am further informed that a number of youths are currently before the courts in relation to burglaries committed this year. The crimes which remain unsolved are being actively investigated.