Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 10 Apr 2001

Vol. 534 No. 3

Written Answers. - Garda Deployment

Gay Mitchell

Question:

272 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, in view of the fact that Christchurch Cathedral, St. Patrick's Cathedral, the Guinness Hops Store, Kilmainham Gaol and the Royal Hospital Kilmainham require extra policing, and are located within the policing area of Kevin Street Garda station, Dublin 8, he will ensure that extra quota gardai are supplied to cover these functions in order that ordinary community policing levels do not suffer. [10606/01]

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

I am informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of personnel and resources to individual areas, that the policing of the tourist attractions mentioned by the Deputy is a top priority. I am further informed by the Garda authorities that the resources available for policing these tourist attractions – drawn from Kevin Street and Kilmainham stations – are considered adequate. I am also assured that there will be no depletion of community policing units unless unforeseen and pressing circumstances dictate otherwise.

Gay Mitchell

Question:

273 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the numbers and functions of gardaí serving the Kevin Street Garda station, Dublin 8. [10607/01]

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

I am informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of personnel and resources to individual areas, that the manpower strength, all ranks, at Kevin Street Garda station as of 6 April 2001 is 115.

I am further informed that the functions-objectives of members of the Garda Síochána, as outlined in the corporate strategy, are: enforcing the laws relating to drugs; investigating crime; ensuring immediate response to emergencies; providing help and support to victims of crime; contributing to improving road safety and the reduction of casualties; maintaining State security.

All of the above functions are performed by the members based in Kevin Street.