Vol. 253 No. 11
asked the Minister for Justice if, in view of the density of the population and the need to prevent crime in Cork City North area, he will provide an extra patrol car for the exclusive use of (a) Mallow Road Garda station, (b) Watercourse Road Garda station, (c) Shandon Street Garda station, (d) MacCurtain Street Garda station and (e) St. Luke's Garda station.
57.
asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware that the people in Cork City North areas live in terror of the vandalism and depredation increasing daily in their midst; and that the existing position with regard to Garda cover in the area is completely inadequate; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
58.
asked the Minister for Justice what is the daily, that is, 24 hour, strength of each Garda station in Cork City North area available for outdoor foot patrol duty (a) exclusive of those on temporary duty and (b) exclusive of those on leave, sick or otherwise.
59.
asked the Minister for Justice how many Garda patrol cars are available in Cork City North during (a) daylight hours and (b) hours of darkness.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 56 to 59 together.
Garda strength in Cork City North is 103. Two cars, as well as two motor cycles, are allocated exclusively to the district. In addition, four other cars attached to Cork divisional headquarters assist in the prevention and investigation of crime there. It would not be in the public interest to give details of the allocation of gardaí or of Garda cars at any particular time or on any particular type of duty.
The commissioner informs me that the incidence of crime in Cork City North is no greater than in other residential areas in other cities which have a high proportion of children or juveniles. He is satisfied that the district is adequately provided for by official transport and he does not propose at present to allocate any additional cars there. The position is kept constantly under review.
Surely the Minister is aware that there is grave concern on the part of the people of Cork city and throughout the country generally because of the rise in vandalism and because there are not enough gardaí to cope with the situation?
The Deputy is aware that I announced recently plans to increase the strength of the force by 400 this year.
Surely the Minister is aware that because of the reduction in hours an increase of 400 is totally inadequate? Many claim an increase of 1,000 is needed. That would provide employment for people at home in their own country protecting people's property.
Four hundred is a very substantial number.
Is the Minister aware that further changes are being made in the country and the strength of the force further reduced? In some cases it is being reduced to a sergeant and one garda.
The question relates to Cork city.
The question relates to part of Cork city.
