Vol. 417 No. 5
171 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice if he has satisfied himself that the present Garda strength is sufficient to meet demands with particular reference to population growth in towns and villages and the increased demands in rural areas arising from Garda stations now closed or operating on a restricted basis by way of, (a) reduced staffing levels, or (b) reduced opening hours or both, and if he will make a statement on the matter.
172 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice if he has satisfied himself that Garda staffing levels are sufficient throughout County Kildare to combat crime; if the crime rate in any particular area suggests the need for extra staffing levels/Garda patrols and other measures, and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 171 and 172 together.
The overall strength of the Garda Síochána is kept under regular review in the light of ever changing policing needs and circumstances. The current Garda strength of 10,871 is of the order of police manpower which this country can sustain at the present time and which is appropriate to our needs. The current ratio of gardaí to population compares very favourably with the police/population ratio in other EC member states and I am satisfied that the Garda Síochána is well resourced by international standards.
I do not accept the suggestion inherent in Question No. 171 that there have been widespread closures and down gradings of Garda stations and that the developing needs of towns and villages have not been taken into account in the distribution of Garda manpower. Neither I nor my predecessor have closed or downgraded any Garda station and the manning levels at each individual Garda station is constantly monitored by the Garda authorities to ensure that the service provided is commensurate with local policing needs.
The Garda authorities inform me that the current Garda strengths at stations in County Kildare have been decided having regard to the policing needs of the county in the context of the overall demands on Garda manpower which must be met. They assure me that measures are being taken to meet the crime situation in the county.
