asked the Minister for Justice the proposals for the strengthening of the Garda force in Bray, County Wicklow, especially during the week-end periods.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Bray Garda Strength.
45.
The precise arrangements made for the policing of particular places, at particular times are matters for determination by the local Garda officers directly concerned.
I am informed by the commissioner that Bray will be adequately policed during the periods mentioned by the Deputy.
Surely the Minister is aware that if you have not sufficient gardaí, the local Garda officers cannot allocate sufficient gardaí to Bray or anywhere else? Is he further aware of the damage that is being done in shops, to shops, to private and public property, to caravans, by vandals and thugs who go from Dublin to Bray during weekends? Is he further aware that some shopkeepers are afraid to open their shops when those excursions come to Bray? Is it the Government's intention to appoint sufficient police to protect life and property before we sink further into chaos?
I should like to convey to the Deputy that the precise arrangements for policing areas are the responsibility of the Garda officers and the commissioner assures us that this area will be adequately policed.
Will be? Is the Minister aware it has not been in the past?
He is admitting it has not been.
I am not admitting anything.