Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 2 Jul 1996

Vol. 467 No. 7

Written Answers. - Garda Deployment.

Noel Treacy

Ceist:

294 Mr. N. Treacy asked the Minister for Justice if she will immediately sanction extra Garda manpower for a location (details supplied) in County Galway; if her attention has been drawn to the community demand for extra Garda manpower; the reason that the manpower is being both reduced and deployed; if she will ensure that adequate Garda manpower, including mobility and technological assistance, is made available to this area on a permanent basis; if so, when; the number of extra personnel to be appointed and/or transferred; the equipment and transport to be provided; the amount of money involved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14395/96]

Minister for Justice (Mrs. Owen)

The detailed allocation of Garda personnel and resources is a matter for the Garda authorities. They have informed me that the station referred to by the Deputy is in the Galway west division and that its current strength is one sergeant and three gardaí, as has been the case for the past three years. The strengths of the other stations mentioned by the Deputy have also been maintained at the same levels for the past three years. Mobile patrols cover the areas in question and I understand that a direct communication link and telephone call diversion system putting members of the public in touch with the district headquarters is in operation at times when the stations are unmanned.

The Garda authorities have informed me that they are satisfied that the current deployment of personnel and resources is adequate in meeting the present policing requirements in these areas. They do not envisage extending the community policing initiative to any of the areas mentioned at present.