Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 March 2013
245. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda stations under the ownership of his Department; the number under the ownership of the Office of Public Works; and if any are owned by any other State agency. [15440/13]
View answer246. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the total cost of property maintenance of Garda stations owned by his Department on a station basis for 2012. [15441/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 245 and 246 together.
In relation to the Garda stations operating in the State, the details are provided on the Garda Síochána website and I would refer the Deputy to the relevant webpage at www.garda.ie.
The general position is that the properties which serve as Garda stations are owned or leased, on behalf of the State, by the Office of Public Works. However, a limited number of Garda stations are vested in the Minister for Justice and Equality and the stations concerned are Midleton, Kenmare, Callan, Urlingford, Dundalk, Castleblaney, Trim and Waterford.
The Garda Commissioner is the Accounting Officer for the Garda Vote. In that context I have been informed by the Garda authorities that financial operating cost statements are not maintained at Garda station level. In the circumstances the Deputy will appreciate that the specific financial information he has sought is not readily available and I understand that the provision of such information would require a disproportionate amount of Garda time and resources which are required for other purposes.
