asked the Minister for Finance the plans his Department have in regard to either (a) the improvement of the existing Garda station in Portlaoise, County Laois, or (b) the provision of a new Garda station: and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Portlaoise Garda Station.
48.
Mr. Kenny
A number of improvements have already been carried out at Portlaoise Garda Station including the provision of supplementary heating and the erection of a prefabricated structure for the Garda traffic corps. Extra accommodation has also been provided within the building.
These improvements are not intended as a permanent solution to the accommodation problem in this station and consideration is at present being given to a major scheme of improvements and extension which would render the provision of a new station unnecessary.
I regret that I do not find that reply at all acceptable. The Department failed to grasp the large increase in the number of personnel there over the past couple of years. Very few improvements have been carried out. Would the Parliamentary Secretary consider transferring the offices of the Land Project people out of that building and giving greater room in the courtyard——
That is a separate question.
—— in order to provide more accommodation? It is grossly overcrowded.
Mr. Kenny
I will give consideration to the Deputy's views on that but I am not aware of the problem.
Am I to take it that the Parliamentary Secretary is even partly satisfied with the specific improvements which as he says have been carried out? Is he fully satisfied that as the building now stands it is possible to improve it adequately to accommodate the gardaí who are there? Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that even before the additional security which involved doubling the number of gardaí in the town the accommodation was completely inadequate and it cannot be made adequate by the provision of these additional prefabricated buildings which, in their own way, are accepted as not being adequate? Would the Parliamentary Secretary consider the provision of a new station?
Mr. Kenny
That is a matter for the Department of Justice, and until such time as I get authorisation from that Department to build a new Garda station I cannot do anything about it.
Did the Parliamentary Secretary say it was his view that with the proposed improvements which it is intended to carry out there would not be any need for a new station? If that is what the Parliamentary Secretary said that cannot be passed on to the Department of Justice.
Mr. Kenny
Improvements have already been made there but these improvements are not intended as a permanent solution to the accommodation in this station and consideration is being given to a major scheme of improvements and extension which would render the provision of a new station unnecessary. If we provide adequate accommodation and extention why should a new station be necessary?
I suggest that the Parliamentary Secretary view this station because the number of gardaí has been increased from 24 to almost 100. The Office of Public Works did not match the situation; they did not do anything.
Mr. Kenny
I will go down to have a look at the station but, as I have already stated, this is a matter for the Department of Justice. Throughout the country there are complaints about accommodation for gardaí who deserve better conditions.
The Parliamentary Secretary could multiply the complaints by about 30 in this instance.