Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 8 Feb 1996

Vol. 461 No. 3

Written Answers. - Garda Clinic Opening Hours.

Seán Kenny

Ceist:

86 Mr. S. Kenny asked the Minister for Justice the regular opening hours of the Garda Clinic, Donaghmede, Dublin 13, for the past 12 months; the number of gardaí assigned to this office; and the plans, if any, there are to improve the level of police service provided. [2796/96]

Minister for Justice (Mrs. Owen)

The Garda Clinic in the Donaghmede Shopping Centre which was established in 1989 was closed in October 1994 due to reconstruction work within the centre. I am glad to say that it was re-opened on 1 February 1996 and is open to the public 6 days a week at the following times:

Monday/Tuesday/Saturday:

— 11.00 a.m. — 12.00 midday

— 3.00 p.m. — 4.00 p.m.

Wednesday/Thursday/Friday:

— 11.00 a.m. — 12.00 midday

— 3.00 p.m. — 4.00 p.m.

— 7.00 p.m. — 8.00 p.m.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the clinic is staffed by one Garda member during the above opening hours.

The Garda authorities also have informed me that the policing needs of the area are adequately catered for by personnel attached to the Coolock station. The Donaghmede area is constantly policed by two neighbourhood gardaí and by mobile patrols which include patrol cars and vans, the district detective unit, the divisional task force unit, the crime prevention unit and the drug unit at Coolock.

The Garda authorities are satisfied that the Donaghmede area receives a sufficient level of Garda attention and that the overall situation will be kept under review.