Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 23 May 2001

Vol. 536 No. 6

Written Answers. - Garda Stations.

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

101 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the steps being taken to bring all Garda stations up to a proper standard of accommodation in view of the threat by members of the Garda Representative Association to withdraw from a number of stations due to inadequate standards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15009/01]

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

221 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the quality, condition and location of the various Garda stations throughout the country is in accord with the highest international standards and requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15332/01]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 101 and 221 together.

One of my priorities as Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform is to ensure that fully adequate accommodation is available for the Garda Síochána. While this is a difficult task, in view of the large number of stations involved and the fact that some of them were built before the foundation of the State, every effort is being made, and will continue to be made, to ensure a high standard of Garda premises throughout the country.

In that context a considerable investment has been made in improving Garda accommodation in recent years. Since 1998, in excess of £51 million has been allocated in the Office of Public Works Vote for capital works to Garda properties. In addition, in the same period, just under £21 million has been allocated in the Garda Vote for necessary maintenance works to Garda properties.

For my part, this House can be assured that I will continue to secure the maximum level of resources I can for the Garda building programme. Any difficulties that may arise in relation to individual stations will be resolved through co-operation between all the relevant parties, including the Garda authorities, the representative associations, the Office of Public Works and my Department.

Cecilia Keaveney

Ceist:

102 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he envisages that all Garda stations in County Donegal will have basic resources such as fax machines, computers, printers and photocopiers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14568/01]

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

The position is that 27 fax machines have been issued to 23 Garda stations in Donegal. A further two fax machines are on temporary issue for special incidents. The Garda authorities inform me that the number of fax machines issued to Donegal Garda stations compares favourably with the allocation of such machines to other Garda divisions. Consideration will be given to issuing additional machines as deemed necessary to meet operational requirements.

The issue of IT equipment to Garda stations in Donegal is ongoing and in line with current policies regarding the issue of such equipment. IT equipment is on issue to 15 Donegal stations as follows:

Non-Pulse Equipment	Pulse Equipment
45 Computers3 Laptops (1 temporary issue)27 Printers1 Scanner	44 Computers15 Printers6 Servers

It is expected that the purchase of computer hardware within the current year will allow for the issue of additional equipment to Donegal. However, the allocation of all computer equipment within a division is for the divisional officer. All equipment, such as photocopiers, are dealt with on application at local level. At present 33 photocopiers are on issue to 29 stations in Donegal. Four applications for photocopiers are currently being assessed.