Garda Deployment.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 February 2005

Tuesday, 15 February 2005

Ceisteanna (359, 360)

Seymour Crawford

Ceist:

413 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on whether there is a need to reconsider the strength of the Garda in the Border areas in view of the breakdown in the peace talks; his further views on whether it is unacceptable that Garda stations such as those at Clones, Emyvale and Belturbet are not opened and manned full time in the new and delicate situation; if he will reconsider the manpower available in these areas and the availability of that manpower 24 hours, seven days a week; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4509/05]

Freagraí scríofa

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

The current resources and personnel deployments in the Border Garda divisions are considered adequate to meet public expectations and to maintain security. The allocation and deployment of Garda resources within the Border region remains under constant review, particularly in the light of broader political developments, including negotiations as part of the Northern Ireland peace process.

Seymour Crawford

Ceist:

414 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his proposals to realign the boundaries for the Garda in Cavan, Monaghan and Louth; if changes will be made, when they will come into operation; if the regional commissioner is looking at these proposals; the provisions which are being made to consult the public; if there is a proposal to move the divisional headquarters from Monaghan town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4510/05]

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

The final report of the Garda strategic management initiative implementation steering group made several recommendations on the Garda Síochána's regional, divisional, and district structure. The report did not identify which districts, divisions or regions would be affected.

The Garda Síochána Bill 2004, which proposes the most fundamental modernisation of the Garda Síochána 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, the commissioner might develop in this context.

A preliminary study group under the chairmanship of the assistant commissioner, in the northern region has recently been established to examine various issues associated with possible new boundary alignments. This group has examined various possibilities to facilitate the establishment of a cohesive consultative study group. There are no plans to move the divisional headquarters from Monaghan town.