Vol. 518 No. 6
476 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will allocate further gardaí to serve in Slane, County Meath, in view of the fact that residents feel that garda numbers in the area are not sufficient to deal with the growing population; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12577/00]
The detailed allocation of Garda personnel to an individual area is a matter for the Garda authorities who have informed me that the current strength, all ranks, of Slane Garda station is four members.
They have also informed me that a patrol car is allocated to the station for patrolling. This is complemented by assistance from the district mobile units when the need arises. Two community alert schemes are also operating in the area.
I have been further informed by the Garda authorities that local management is satisfied that the best possible Garda service is being provided in the Slane area with the current deployment of resources. The situation will, however, be kept under review and when additional personnel next become available, the needs of Slane sub-district will be fully considered in the overall context of the needs of other sub-districts throughout the country.
