Vol. 577 No. 3
518 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding reports in the media that Rathfarnham Garda station will be closed at night or that such a recommendation has been made. [30989/03]
I have been informed by the Garda authorities which are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that Rathfarnham Garda station is open to the public on a 24-hour basis. There are currently no plans to alter these opening hours.
The optimum use of Garda stations is being considered as part of a major review of the Garda organisation structures under the strategic management initiative, SMI, programme of modernisation. This is a comprehensive review of structural and operational systems of the Garda Síochána. I understand that the SMI steering group's report in this matter will be submitted to me within the next few weeks and I will give careful consideration to all of its recommendations, including any it may make on the opening hours of Garda stations.
