A considerable amount of resources has been supplied to support the gardaí in the particular area with which we are dealing. The House is well acquainted with the problems which gave rise to the need to provide such resources. I do not want to comment on the exact number of persons who have been deployed or the exact nature of their deployment. A threat emerged as a result of the use of firearms, the incidence of intimidation and the activities of a small number of people in the area in question. The Garda is quite satisfied that it is making very significant progress in its extensive investigations into the activities of those I have mentioned. Extra resources were drafted in as a result of the problems I have mentioned.
I spoke recently to Mr. Carty, assistant commissioner of the Garda Síochána, about Finglas Garda station. He said that he is not satisfied with the fabric and the suitability of the building. We have to examine all means of providing Finglas with a decent Garda station. A number of possibilities are being considered closely in that regard. The exact deployment of resources between Finglas Garda station and neighbouring Garda stations is a matter for the local Garda management, taking into account such issues as accommodation and facilities.
I share Deputy Durkan's concern about the Finglas area. Although I have been briefed about the response being made by the Garda, it would not be appropriate, in these circumstances, for me to make public the exact detail of the response. There is a significant response to the problems that have emerged in the area in question. The Garda Síochána has briefed me regularly on its response.
I am not the chief of police and my function does not involve deciding that 20 gardaí should be moved from one place to another, or that five gardaí should be moved from one station to another. The reason I do not have such a function is very straightforward. The Garda Síochána is a disciplined force directed by an independent Commissioner. He reports to me and I report, in turn, to this House. We have a good and close working relationship. Very serious civil liberties or constitutional issues would be at stake if I became responsible for making decisions about the security of individuals, moving gardaí from one station to another, or giving the Commissioner direct day-to-day instructions on the micro-management of the resources which this House is making available to him. Deputy Durkan would not be the last person to point out such issues to me.