Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 15 Apr 2003

Vol. 565 No. 3

Written Answers. - Garda Deployment.

Pat Breen

Ceist:

373 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí attached to Ennis Garda station in 2001 and 2002; the number of gardaí currently based at Ennis Garda station; if, in view of the ongoing security at Shannon Airport where extra Garda resources are required, he will deploy extra gardaí to Ennis to cover the ongoing concerns of residents in relation to crime and public order; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10778/03]

James Breen

Ceist:

378 Mr. J. Breen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when Garda numbers will be increased in the Clare division with particular reference to the capital town, Ennis, from which a large number have been redeployed to security duty in Shannon Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10894/03]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell):

I propose to take Questions Nos. 373 and 378 together.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the personnel strength (all ranks) of Ennis Garda Station for the years ending 31 December 2001 and 2002 and current strength is as follows.

Year	Strength
2001	78
2002	79
14/04/2003	76

Since the commencement of the present security operation at Shannon Airport it was necessary to deploy additional personnel to Shannon Garda station from each district and division within the western region. Five sergeants and 40 gardaí were allocated to Clare division on 1 April 2003 all of whom were immediately allocated to security duties at Shannon, which has released a number of the members on temporary allocation there to return to their home stations to perform normal duties.

The situation will be kept under review and when additional personnel next becomes available the needs of Ennis will be fully considered within the context of the needs of Garda stations throughout the country.