asked the Minister for Justice whether he is aware that no facilities at the Garda Barrack, Cloghan, County Offaly, are available for persons desiring to make an urgent telephone call after 9 o'clock at night; and, if so, whether he will ensure that the telephone in the barracks will be made available in the event of necessity after that hour.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cloghan (Offaly) Telephone Facilities.
Mr. O'Higgins
asked the Minister for Justice if he will permit the people of Cloghan, County Offaly, to use the telephone in the local Garda Barracks for urgent calls in cases of illness, death, or accidents which occur when the local telephone exchange is not operating.
I propose, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, to answer Questions Nos. 31 and 32 together.
The Garda Síochána at all stations have instructions to permit members of the public to use the station telephone for urgent calls, such as for a priest, doctor or veterinary surgeon, when the local telephone office is closed.
The provision of this facility for the public gave rise to no difficulties so long as a station orderly was continuously on duty at all stations. On account of the reduction of Garda strength caused by the stoppage of recruiting in April, 1948, the Commissioner of the Garda Síochána found it necessary in November, 1950, to issue a circular, with the approval of the Minister for Justice, authorising the closing of small stations at 9 p.m. when the strength of the station party fell below a sergeant and three men. Owing to the absence of a guard on protracted sick leave, the strength of the Cloghan station party is only a sergeant and two men. The station is, accordingly, closed at 9 p.m. With the reduced over-all strength, it is not possible to increase the strength of Cloghan station.
I may add that the local Garda officers report that they have not received any complaints that the public have been inconvenienced by the closing of the station at 9 p.m.
Would the Minister be good enough to review the present arrangements obtaining in Garda stations concerning telephone calls at night?
I shall make inquiries. I may say that, so far as I know, so long as the position in regard to the strength of the force remains as it is, I fear the present regulations will have to continue. However, I shall look into the matter.