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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 13 Dec 1972

Vol. 264 No. 7

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Garda Force.

61.

asked the Minister for Justice if he will give details of the existing strength of the Garda force and each rank and the comparative figures for December, 1970; the total overall increase in the membership of the force over this period; if the Garda stations which were closed down in recent years will be reopened; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

62.

asked the Minister for Justice the current strength of the gardaí at each level.

With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 61 and 62 together.

The total strength of the force on 31st December, 1970, was 6,551 and the strength on 30th November, 1972, was 7,425; that is an increase of 874. The details are in a tabular statement which again with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I shall have circulated with the Official Report.

There are no proposals to reopen any Garda stations which have been closed. No small rural stations have been closed for over two years.

Following is the statement:

GARDA STRENGTH

RANK

31st December 1970

30th November 1972

Commissioner

1

1

Deputy Commissioner

2

2

Assistant Commissioner

2

3

Surgeon

1

1

Chief Superintendent

27

32

Superintendent

126

131

Inspector

105

100

Station Sergeant

17

15

Sergeant

1,290

1,390

Gardaí

4,980

5,750

TOTAL

6,551

7,425

63.

asked the Minister for Justice whether consideration has been given to increasing from two the number of gardaí who may qualify for the scheme of release for university.

To avoid misunderstanding I would like to make it clear that the arrangements which apply in the Garda Síochána for the release of members of the force at public expense for higher-level education are identical with those applicable to other branches of the public service.

The object of the arrangements is to meet particular needs in the force by providing training for specific posts requiring specialised knowledge, that is, training which cannot economically or adequately be provided as part of normal in-service training. Various other specialist courses are, of course, already provided for the Garda Síochána.

The needs of the force in regard to specialised courses are primarily a matter for assessment by the Commissioner. I am informed by him that, for the present, these needs will be met, as far as specialised university courses are concerned, by sending two members on such courses. The matter will be reviewed in the light of experience.

64.

asked the Minister for Justice when he intends to increase the number of gardaí stationed at Balbriggan and Lusk, County Dublin.

There are no proposals at present to increase the permanent strength of Balbriggan and Lusk Garda stations.

The position with regard to strength in these and other areas will however be reviewed according as extra members, now being recruited to the force, become available for assignment.

Has the Minister any information on the substantial increase in crime in the Lusk area since the strength of the force there was reduced? Has he also information on the enormous increase in population in the Balbriggan area, with no corresponding increase in the Garda Síochána force, and the enormous increase in traffic through Balbriggan?

I am not certain that it is accurate to say that the force was reduced in Lusk. The number in the station in Lusk was reduced but a very large part of the Lusk sub-district was taken out of it and put in with Swords, as far as I remember.

Does the Minister agree that there has been a very substantial increase in crime there?

I am afraid I must agree that there has been an increase in crime there.

So that there is a case for an increase in the Garda strength?

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