Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 25 Oct 1995

Vol. 457 No. 5

Written Answers. - Deployment of Gardaí.

Tony Gregory

Ceist:

73 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Justice, arising from her reply to Parliamentary Question No. 108 of 11 October 1995, if she will give the various units to which the 80 gardaí are assigned; the number in each unit; and if there are as few as six gardaí available for patrol duties on any one night. [15691/95]

Minister for Justice (Mrs. Owen)

The Garda authorities are responsible for the detailed deployment of Garda manpower and resources to different areas. I have been informed by the Garda authorities that they are opposed to supplying the detailed information being sought by the Deputy on the grounds of security and in the interests of crime prevention generally, and I am in agreement with this view.

I refer the Deputy to the policing arrangements outlined in the response to the Deputy's previous Parliamentary Question No. 108 of 11 October 1995. In addition to the uniform and plain clothes manpower, attached to Kilmainham, the area is regularly patrolled by members attached to the divisional task force, and members based at Kevin Street and Harcourt Square as occasions demand. Where the need arises, the gardaí at Kilmainham are also assisted by both plain clothes and uniformed members who are attached to Crumlin and Pearse Street Garda stations.

I am also informed by the Garda authorities that the dog unit, manned by a sergeant and 11 gardaí, is also attached to Kilmainham station and is available, when required, to assist with crime investigation in the sub-district.

The Garda authorities state that in view of the extensive policing arrangements outlined it is not a true representation of the facts to imply that there are only six gardaí available to patrol or respond to requests from the public. The Garda authorities assure me that they are satisfied that the current policing arrangements for Kilmainham sub-district are adequate to meet the needs of the area. These arrangements are kept under continuous review in the context of manpower levels throughout the Dublin Metropolitan Area and adjustments are made as necessary.