Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 15 Oct 2003

Vol. 572 No. 4

Written Answers. - Garda Deployment.

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

200 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason five gardaí were transferred from Finglas Garda station, Dublin 11, in recent months; if he will arrange with the Garda Commissioner to review the staff allocation to Finglas in response to public concern regarding a breakdown in law and order there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23556/03]

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

I have been informed by the Garda authorities who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that Finglas Garda station is in the DMR west division. The personnel strength of Finglas Garda station as at 14 October 2003 was 69 – all ranks. The personnel strength of the DMR west division as at 14 October 2003 was 610 – all ranks. This represents an increase of 16, or 2.7%, in the personnel allocated to the DMR west division since 31 May 2003. It is the responsibility of the divisional officer to allocate personnel within a division as he or she sees fit. Local Garda management is satisfied that the resources in the DMR west division are adequate to meet the present policing needs of the area.

The transfer of personnel is a necessary requirement for the efficient running of the force, and can of course result in minor variations in strength in Garda stations from time to time, as in this case where there were five outward transfers and three inward transfers. Garda management will continue to appraise the policing and administrative strategy employed in the DMR west division with a view to ensuring an effective Garda service is maintained.

The situation will be kept under review and when additional personnel next becomes available, the needs of Finglas Garda station will be fully considered within the overall context of the needs of Garda divisions throughout the country.