Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 10 Dec 1996

Vol. 472 No. 6

Written Answers. - Garda Deployment.

Ray Burke

Ceist:

158 Mr. R. Burke asked the Minister for Justice if her attention has been drawn to the concern of the people of the Swords area of County Dublin with the general crime situation; and the proposals, if any, she and the Garda authorities have to provide additional manpower to allow for extra patrolling and a general Garda presence. [23650/96]

Minister for Justice (Mrs. Owen)

I must first point out that the detailed allocation of Garda resources to meet operational policing demands is a matter for the Garda Commissioner.

With regard to crime in Swords, there has been a decrease in the last three years. The figures for the last three years are set out as follows:

Year	Number of Crimes
1994	501
1995	476
1996	*328 (to end October 1996)

I am informed by the Garda authorities that they are satisfied that the present deployment of resources in the area in question is sufficient to meet current policing requirements. I am further informed that this deployment is reviewed on an ongoing basis and adjustments made as necessary.