Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 October 2004
276 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has made a decision on foot of the recommendations he received in respect of the night closure of certain Garda stations; and if the suggested possible increase in gardaí on the street following such closures refers to night patrols, day patrols or a continuation of both. [23650/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe final report of the Garda Síochána SMI steering group makes recommendations in relation to the use of Garda stations in the Dublin metropolitan region and proposes four different types of station based on public demand. During the course of reviews it was found that between 80% and 90% of customers call to Garda stations during regular office hours. There are very few callers outside these hours, and fewer still during the night time.
The types of station being proposed range from divisional headquarters with offices, custody suites, staff facilities and a public office on a 24-hour basis, to public offices which would open between one and eight hours a day to facilitate the various requirements of the public. The objective of reduced public opening hours is to release gardaí from public counters at times when there is little demand for their services for duty on the streets of the city where they are needed.
The report estimates that these proposals to change the opening hours of public offices in about a dozen stations in the Dublin metropolitan region could release the equivalent of 240 full time gardaí and sergeants onto the streets at times when their visible presence would assist in the prevention of crime. However, I should point out that the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, is the responsibility of the Garda authorities.
I have made no decision on this or any other proposal in the report, but I intend to bring appropriate proposals to Government in the near future. In this and many other aspects of the report, the Garda Commissioner will under the provisions of the Garda Síochána Bill 2004 have enhanced responsibilities in preparing proposals for organisational reform, and I believe that this report will be of considerable assistance to him in that task.
