Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 October 2004
290 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has plans to sanction, approve or discuss reducing the opening hours of all or any of certain Dublin Garda stations (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26069/04]
Amharc ar fhreagra291 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has received a report or other recommendations which advocate reduced opening hours in respect of all or any of certain Dublin Garda stations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26070/04]
Amharc ar fhreagra292 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will elaborate on the views which he expressed to the effect that the high number of Garda stations in Dublin city in close proximity needs to be addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26071/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 290 to 292, inclusive, together.
I have no plans to reduce the opening hours of any Garda station or to alter the number of Garda stations in the Dublin metropolitan region or any region. It is the case that the use of Garda stations was considered as part of the major review of the Garda organisation structures under the strategic management initiative programme of modernisation which looked in detail at a range of areas within the organisation. The Garda SMI implementation steering group's final report, which I have laid before the House and which is available on my Department's website, does not refer to the closure of any specific Garda station. Rather, it makes recommendations to assist policy making on the management and use of all available resources including Garda stations. It is also the case, however, that the position has changed significantly since the consideration of these issues under the strategic management initiative. The Garda Síochána Bill 2004, which proposes the most fundamental modernisation of the Garda since the foundation of the State, provides that the commissioner will have enhanced responsibilities in preparing proposals for organisational reform.
It would be premature to anticipate at this stage what proposals, if any, might be developed by the commissioner in this context.
