Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 27 Feb 2001

Vol. 531 No. 3

Written Answers. - Garda Deployment.

Liam Aylward

Ceist:

384 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the increase in violent activity and anti-social behaviour on the streets of Kilkenny city; if he has satisfied himself that there is an adequate Garda presence on the streets; and if he will ask the Garda authorities to have the situation monitored and the necessary steps taken to ensure that this ongoing problem is eliminated as a matter of urgency in the interest and safety of the citizens of the city and of the elderly in particular. [5917/01]

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

I am informed by the Garda authorities that upwards of 4,000 patrons are discharged on to the streets from six night clubs operating in the city at approximately 2.30 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. As a result of this increased activity, the Garda Síochána has noted an increase in the number of public order incidents, predominantly at weekends. I am also informed that local Garda management have deployed additional resources on weekend nights to target such public order offences and that their belief is that the resulting increased presence on the streets is the best means of addressing the situation in the long term.

In addition, Garda strength in Kilkenny has steadily increased in recent years. I am informed by the Garda authorities that the manpower strength, all ranks, at Kilkenny Garda station on 1 January for each of the past three years was as set out in the following table:

Year	Strength
1999	53
2000	56
2001	62

I am further informed that the strength on 1 February 2001 was 64. As the Deputy will appreciate, the allocation of Garda manpower is a matter for the commissioner who has assured me that the situation in relation to Kilkenny will be kept under review.