Vol. 563 No. 1
496 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number and locations of Garda stations in the Buncrana District which are open on a 24-hour basis; and if he will make a statement on the adequacy of this provision in view of both the geographical spread and Border location of this peninsula. [7092/03]
I have been informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the operation and detailed allocation of personnel and resources to individual areas, that there are two garda stations in the Buncrana district open on a 24-hour basis, Buncrana and Burnfoot. Local Garda management is satisfied that this is adequate bearing in mind the geographical spread and border location of the district. The extension of the current opening hours of other garda stations in the district to 24 hours would necessitate the employment of Garda personnel on indoor administrative duties. Such personnel can in the view of the Garda authorities be utilised more effectively in providing a visible Garda presence on outdoor policing duties.
