asked the Minister for Justice if there has been a reduction in the number of gardaí in the central drug unit and the local units in Ballymun, Dublin 11 and the inner city, Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Allocation of Garda Personnel.
16.
The allocation of manpower to specialised units is a matter for the Garda Authorities, in the light of their assessment of needs and having regard to overall resources and other demands on Garda services.
I am informed by the Garda Authorities that some members of the drug units referred to in the question are at present redeployed on the investigation of serious crime, including crime involving drugs, in the Dublin Metropolitan Area as a whole. This arrangement is being kept under review by the Garda Authorities — there is no question of a decision having been taken to permanently reduce the strength of the full time drug units.
17.
asked the Minister for Justice when Garda sergeants will be appointed to Ballymahon and Kenagh, County Longford; if his attention has been drawn to the level of policing in these districts which is causing worry to the community; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The detailed allocation of manpower to individual stations is a matter for the Garda Authorities who inform me that, having regard to the overall availability of sergeants, they have no proposals at present to assign sergeants to Ballymahon or Kenagh. The position, however, will be kept under review.
It should be borne in mind that the policing service provided by the gardaí at Kenagh and Ballymahon is supplemented as necessary by mobile patrols operating from their respective district headquarters at Longford and Athlone and from the divisional headquarters in Mullingar. Also, when Kenagh or Ballymahon station is closed, callers can make immediate contact with the district headquarters station for assistance by means of the external radio-telephone, or "Green-Man", which can be used free of charge at any time of the day or night. The gardaí at the district headquarters are in radio contact with all foot and mobile patrols operating in the area so that the most appropriate unit can respond to calls for assistance.