andMr. P. Belton asked the Minister for Justice the number and rank of gardaí and the number of people resident within (a) Crumlin Garda district, Dublin, and (b) Limerick city.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Garda Strength.
35.
The Garda strength in Crumlin is one superintendent, three inspectors, 20 sergeants and 80 gardaí under the general supervision of a chief superintendent for Dublin City South. In addition, of course, assistance is provided at short notice from the central detective branch in Dublin Castle if requisitioned by the local officer.
The Limerick strength is 1 chief superintendent, 1 superintendent, 3 inspectors, 24 sergeants, 120 gardaí and 3 ban gardaí.
Population figures according to the 1966 Census were—Crumlin 83,562 now estimated at 105,000 and Limerick 59,353, now estimated at 65,000.
Can the Minister state why he can now give the figures for this station when he could not give them a week ago?
I explained in a letter I wrote to Deputy Paddy Belton, who asked a supplementary question, why that arose. I gave him the figures. I now understand that he was seeking the figures for the Crumlin Garda district and that it was in order for me to give him those figures. I misunderstood the supplementary question at the time and on the following day I gave him the information.
36.
asked the Minister for Justice if he will state the number of gardaí, as distinct from sergeants and other officers, in County Longford at 30th June, 1960, and comparative figures at 30th June, 1970.
The number of gardaí on 30th June, 1960, was 49 and the number on 30th June, 1970, was 36.
This change has taken place in the course of a general review which the commissioner is carrying out of the distribution of the Garda Síochána. As a result of the review, which is still proceeding, the commissioner has advised that, without loss of police efficiency, better use could be made of the manpower at his disposal by some redeployment of Garda strengths. The commissioner assures me that no reduction in strength is effected until he is fully satisfied that no loss of police efficiency in the area will result. Increased mobility and more efficient radio and telephone communications networks have helped to make this possible.