Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 November 2004
367 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he intends to downgrade the status of the Garda headquarters in Monaghan town; if not, if Monaghan station will be upgraded in view of the failure to decentralise any worthwhile project to Monaghan town or the north Monaghan region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29681/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are no plans to alter the status of Monaghan Garda station.
The Government has approved my proposal to increase the strength of the Garda Síochána to 14,000 members on a phased basis, in line with the agreed programme for Government commitment in this regard. This is a key commitment in the programme for Government, and its implementation will significantly strengthen the operational capacity of the force. The Commissioner will draw up plans on how best to distribute and manage these resources. The additional resources will be aimed at the areas of greatest need, as is envisaged in the programme for Government. The programme identifies particular areas with a significant drugs problem and a large number of public order offences, but it will be possible to address other priorities as well, such as the need significantly to increase the number of gardaí allocated to traffic duties. The additional gardaí will not be put on administrative duties. They will be put directly into frontline, operational, high-visibility policing. They will have a real impact.
