Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 29 May 2003

Vol. 567 No. 7

Written Answers. - Garda Deployment.

John Gormley

Question:

233 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the normal number of Garda on the beat at different times of day and night in the Irishtown-Ringsend area; the way in which this compares with previous years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15116/03]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

The Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, inform me that the Irishtown-Ringsend area personnel strength as at 27 May 2003 is 49, all ranks. Garda personnel are deployed in a variety of shift patterns in order to maximise available resources during the periods of greatest demand. For security and operational reasons it is not Garda policy to disclose the number of Garda personnel on duty in a particular station at any given time.

I am further informed that the number of personnel, all ranks, assigned to Irishtown station in successive years from 2001 and as at 27 May 2003 is as set out:

	2001	2002	27 May 2003
All Ranks	54	49	49

The situation will be kept under review and when additional personnel next become available the needs of Irishtown Garda station will be fully considered within the overall context of Garda stations throughout the country.

John Gormley

Question:

234 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if there are plans to shut down Irishtown Garda station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15117/03]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

I have no plans to close Irishtown Garda station.