Garda Deployment.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 June 2004

Tuesday, 22 June 2004

Ceisteanna (236)

Charlie O'Connor

Ceist:

236 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will make special resources available to the gardaí in Tallaght, Dublin 24, to allow them deal with the serious problems of vandalism at a school (details supplied) in Tallaght, Dublin 24; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that this school has been attacked several times in recent weeks and is causing serious distress to the local community and to the need for action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18347/04]

Freagraí scríofa

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 gardaí at Tallaght are aware of a number of reported break-ins at the school in question. A number of steps have been taken to apprehend the offenders. The divisional crime prevention sergeant visited the school on 14 June 2004 and has forwarded a number of recommendations to the school principal concerning physical changes which may assist in preventing further attacks.

I am further informed that the personnel strength of Tallaght Garda station as at 17 June 2004 was 164, all ranks. The personnel strength of Tallaght Garda station as at 1 January 1998 was 133, all ranks. This represents an increase of 31, or 23.3%, in the number of personnel allocated to Tallaght Garda station since 1 January 1998.

The situation will be kept under review and when additional personnel next become available, the needs of the Tallaght area will be fully considered within the overall context of the needs of Garda stations throughout the country.