asked the Minister for Justice if, in view of the increased rate of crime in County Waterford, he will increase the number of and equipment of the Garda force serving the county; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Waterford Garda Stations.
24.
The question of increasing the strength and equipment of the force in County Waterford is being examined as part of the general review of the deployment of the force which is at present being carried out. Pending completion of the review, I am not in a position to say how Garda strength and equipment in the county is likely to be affected.
Is the Minister aware that a number of families and old people living alone are in fear of being attacked, and a recent case in Waterford points to the possibility of such attacks and what steps will he take to provide enough gardaí in the county to protect the ordinary citizen?
I answered a question on this point last week. Unfortunately I have not got the particulars with me now but these incidents occurred in west Waterford and I gave details last week of the number of extra gardaí who have been moved in there in connection with those incidents.
For how long has this review being going on?
It has been going on for about six months but it is intended to cover the entire country.
25.
asked the Minister for Justice the number of Gardaí assigned to duty at the Kilmeadan Garda station, County Waterford at 1st January, 1950 and 1st January, 1971; if, in view of the petition given to him last summer and signed by residents of that area, he will give an assurance that that Garda station will not be closed in the foreseeable future; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Garda strength at Kilmeadan station on 1st January, 1950 was one sergeant and three gardaí. On 1st January, 1971 it was one sergeant and one garda. I have no proposal from the commissioner for the closing of Kilmeadan Garda station.
Has the Minister answered the petition given to him, and signed by the people in that area, that the number of gardaí is not adequate in view of the developments in the area? What steps will he take to bring the Garda strength up to one sergeant and three gardaí residing in that station?
I have read the petition sent to me by the local people and their main concern was with a rumour that the station might be closed and as I have already said there is no such proposal.
Further——
Question No. 26. I am calling Question No. 26. Would Deputy Collins allow Questions to continue?