Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 22 Jan 1997

Vol. 473 No. 4

Written Answers. - Garda Deployment.

Rory O'Hanlon

Ceist:

441 Dr. O'Hanlon asked the Minister for Justice if her attention has been drawn to the widespread public concern in counties Cavan and Monaghan at proposals to reduce the Garda strength in rural stations; if she will ensure that no reduction takes place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1433/97]

Minister for Justice (Mrs. Owen)

There are no proposals to reduce Garda strength in rural stations in counties Cavan and Monaghan.

It may be that the Deputy's question relates to the rural community policing scheme which has been operating in 14 Garda districts throughout the country since 1991. It was intended that the schemes, once operational for a reasonable period, would be extended to other districts. The Garda authorities are currently evaluating experience of the existing rural community policing schemes and reviewing their 1994 proposals for its extension. This involves a consultative process taking in consultations with local Garda management, the Garda representative associations and, most critically, local community interests.

This process, by its nature, will take some time to complete. However, I am particularly anxious to ensure that there will be sufficient consultations with local interest groups before any decision is made to extend the scheme. It is after the detailed consultative process has been completed that the Garda Commissioner will be in a position to submit to me proposals as to whether rural policing should be extended or modified as the case may be.

There has been some misunderstanding over the years in the media and by members of the public about the scheme which was not designed to close rural Garda stations. It is actually aimed at allowing the gardaí spend more time on active operational duties in their districts including in particular, visits to the elderly, while at the same time providing for station opening hours which actually suit local authority needs. It is precisely these objectives which are being extended to see how well they have been met in the existing rural policing areas.