Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 27 Jan 1999

Vol. 499 No. 1

Written Answers. - Garda Deployment.

Pádraic McCormack

Ceist:

787 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of extra gardaí appointed to Galway city in 1998; and if he will make a statement on the request by the Garda Chief Superintendent for 24 extra gardaí to be stationed in the city. [28428/98]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue)

The detailed deployment of Garda personnel to individual areas is a matter for the Garda authorities. They have informed me that the policing strengths for Galway city on 1 January 1998 and 1 January 1999 are as outlined hereunder:–

	1-1-1998	1-1-1999
Assistant Commissioner	1	1
Chief Superintendent	1	1
Superintendent	1	1
Inspector	4	6
Sergeant	15	18
Detective-Sergeant	3	2
Gardaí	93	103
Detective-Gardaí	14	14
Total	132	146

The Garda authorities have informed me that a total of 23 personnel were transferred into Galway city during 1998. Allowing for retirements, resignations and transfers this resulted in an overall increase in personnel from 132 to 146 members.

I am further informed that the situation pertaining to Galway city will be kept under review and when additional resources next become available the needs of Galway city will be fully considered in the overall context of the needs of all other divisions throughout the country.