Wednesday, 23 Jan 2013

Garda Investigations

Questions (201)

Martin Ferris

Question:

201. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if a decision has been made to conduct tests on unidentified remains found off the south east to determine whether they are part of the remains of men lost at sea. [3470/13]

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Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

As the Deputy will recall from previous replies on this issue, the Garda authorities have advised that despite numerous attempts by the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) to generate DNA profiles from the remains recovered off the South-East coast, all attempts to date have proved unsuccessful.

I am also advised that Garda enquiries with the FSL indicate that further tests outside the jurisdiction may not necessarily be any more successful than testing that has taken place to date in the FSL. I am also informed that new profiling technology will be introduced at the FSL in the early part of this year, and it is expected that further tests will be carried out on the remains which have been recovered using this technology.

I am very much aware of the concerns which have been expressed in relation to these remains and my Department has conveyed these concerns to the Garda authorities. I am confident that in cases of missing persons, whether at sea or on land, An Garda Síochána does all in its power to assist families of those who have been lost and, in particular, would contact families when they have any information of substance to impart.

Garda Stations Closures

Questions (202)

Pádraig MacLochlainn

Question:

202. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide the names of the Garda stations which have closed since 31 December 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3473/13]

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Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

The names of the Garda Stations which closed in 2012 have already been provided to the House in the Policing Plan for An Garda Síochána which I lodged with the House in December 2011.

For ease of reference for the Deputy I am circulating, with this answer, a table containing the names of the stations which closed in 2012. To-date no stations have been closed in 2013.

Region	Division	District	Station
Western Region	Clare	Kilrush	Carrigaholt
Western Region	Galway	Galway	Corrandulla
Western Region	Mayo	Bual an Mhuirthead	Bellacorick
Western Region	Mayo	Castlebar	Glenisland
Western Region	Mayo	Castlebar	Tourmakeady
Western Region	Mayo	Westport	Mulranny
Western Region	Ross/Long	Castlerea	Loughglynn
Western Region	Ross/Long	Boyle	Tarmonbarry*
Western Region	Ross/Long	Boyle	Cootehall
Southern Region	Limerick	Askeaton	Shanagolden
Southern Region	Limerick	Bruff	Doon
Southern Region	Cork North	Cobh	Glenville
Southern Region	Cork West	Clonakilty	Castletownsend*
Southern Region	Cork West	Clonakilty	Ballygurteen*
Southern Region	Cork West	Kanturk	Knocknagree
Southern Region	Cork West	Bandon	Ballyfeard
Southern Region	Cork West	Bantry	Goleen
Southern Region	Cork West	Macroom	Inchigeela
South East Region	Tipperary	Thurles	Ballinure*
South East Region	Tipperary	Nenagh	Ballinderry*
South East Region	Wexford	New Ross	Ballywilliam*
South East Region	Wexford	Wexford	Baldwinstown
Southern Region	Kerry	Listowel	Ballylongford
Southern Region	Kerry	Listowel	Moyvane
Southern Region	Kerry	Tralee	Clochan
Northern Region	Cav/Mon	Monaghan	Clonibret
Northern Region	Cav/Mon	Monaghan	Smithborough
Northern Region	Cav/Mon	Baileboro	Tullyvin
Northern Region	Donegal	Glenties	An Duchoraidh (Doochary)*
Northern Region	Donegal	Ballyshannon	Dunkineely
Northern Region	Donegal	Buncrana	Culdaff
Northern Region	Sligo/Leitrim	Ballymote	Bunnanadden
Northern Region	Sligo/Leitrim	Manorhamilton	Drumkeeran
Northern Region	Sligo/Leitrim	Manorhamilton	Kiltyclogher
Eastern Region	Laois/Offaly	Tullamore	Geashill*
Dublin Metropolitan Region	DMR South Central	Pearse St	Harcourt Terrace
Dublin Metropolitan Region	DMR North	Ballymun	Whitehall
Dublin Metropolitan Region	DMR North	Balbriggan	Rush
Dublin Metropolitan Region	DMR East	Dun Laoghaire	Dalkey

* Non-operational

Defence Forces Reorganisation

Questions (203)

Robert Troy

Question:

203. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Defence the savings made by his Department further to the decision to disband the 4th Field Artillery Regiment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3373/13]

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Written answers

Minister for Defence

As the Deputy is aware, arising from the Comprehensive Review of Expenditure in 2011, the Government decided to stabilise the strength of the Permanent Defence Force at 9,500 personnel. Following that decision it was decided that it was not viable to retain a three brigade structure within a strength ceiling of 9,500 personnel and accordingly, a major re-organisation encompassing a reduction in the number of Army Brigades from three to two was undertaken. The major reorganisation to give effect to this decision is still ongoing.

This major reorganisation of the Permanent Defence Force will ensure that within the reduced strength, the operational effectiveness of the Permanent Defence Force is maintained. This is being achieved through the rationalising of headquarters, administrative and support functions and re-balancing force elements in favour of “front line” operational Units.

One such consequence of the reorganisation was the amalgamation of the 4th Field Artillery Regiment with the 2nd Field Artillery Regiment, to be based in Custume Barracks, Athlone. As the process of reorganisation is still ongoing it is not possible to quantify the overall savings that will accrue into the future from the reduction from a three to two brigade structure and for which the disbandment of the 4th Field Artillery Regiment and its amalgamation with the 2nd Field Artillery Regiment is just one small element.

Army Barracks Closures

Questions (204)

Robert Troy

Question:

204. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Defence his plans for Custume Barracks, Athlone, County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3410/13]

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Written answers

Minister for Defence

Custume Barracks is now part of the 2nd Brigade. The barracks continues to function as an operational military installation. There are no plans for a change in its current use.