Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 13 Nov 2001

Vol. 543 No. 5

Written Answers. - Garda Stations.

Michael Bell

Question:

125 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the recent address to the Marketing Institute of Ireland by the Garda Commissioner in which he questioned the need for the current level of Garda stations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27651/01]

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

I have not seen a copy of the Garda Commissioner's address referred to by the Deputy and cannot comment on its details.

The Deputy may be aware that a major review of Garda structures and service delivery is being undertaken in the context of Garda SMI. This review will develop the headquarters and regional structures, review headquarters specific and core role functions, review the roles of ranks and develop criteria in relation to stations, focus ing on the best use of resources to deliver a policing service to the community.

However this consultant led review is still under way and will not be concluded for some weeks yet. The final report will firstly be considered by the Garda SMI steering group and ultimately by Government.

I can confirm to the Deputy that I have no proposals in relation to the closure of any Garda stations.