Bernard Allen
Ceist:71 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Justice if he will make a statement on reports (details supplied) which stated that the Cork Garda division requires between 30 and 40 extra gardaí.
Written Answers. - Cork Garda Numbers.
Máirín Quill
Ceist:150 Miss Quill asked the Minister for Justice the number of additional gardaí appointed to the Cork East Riding division in the years 1988, 1989 and 1990; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there is a severe shortage of Garda manpower in this area at a time when certain types of crime are on the increase; and if it is his intention to have additional gardaí appointed to Cork in the near future.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 71 and 150 together.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that they are fully aware of the policing needs of the Cork East Division and that the number of gardaí serving in the division at any time is the maximum that can be assigned there having regard to overall resources and other demands on Garda services. The current Garda strength of 798 members in Cork East represents an increase of 9 per cent over the number serving there on 1 January 1990 and I understand that a further two additional members will take up duty in the division in the near future.