asked the Minister for Justice if the commitment given to the North Strand/Ballybough community watch (details supplied) that a community garda will be assigned to their area will be honoured; and when the said community garda will be reassigned to this position.
Written Answers. - Community Watch.
164.
I am assuming that the Deputy has in mind the assignment of a designated garda to cover the North Strand/Ballybough area.
The detailed deployment of the Force and the assignment of specific duties to members in any particular area are primarily matters for the Garda authorities who have informed me that it is not always feasible to assign a particular garda exclusively to a particular area. I understand however that a member of the station party at Fitzgibbon Street station who was for most of his time engaged on regular foot patrol in the North Strand/Ballybough area and who maintained close contact with representatives of local residents, was absent on a training course recently and that it was not always possible to replace him while he was away. I am informed that the member concerned is due to resume his former duties this week. The Garda authorities make the point however, that all members of the Force have a responsibility for developing good relations with local communities as part of their everyday duties.