Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 October 2007
239 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Garda stations here; the number of stations functionally operational; the number of stations permanently closed; the number vacated on a temporary basis due to the need for renovation or replacement; the number of stations open for a limited period every month; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25495/07]
Amharc ar fhreagra240 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of green men in place in Garda property here; the number that are operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25496/07]
Amharc ar fhreagra243 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Garda stations in rural Ireland; the number of rural Garda stations with residential accommodation included or attached for the use of gardaí; the number of Garda stations with used, and with unused, residential accommodation for the use of gardaí; the Government policy on the provision of residential accommodation in stations for Gardaí; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25499/07]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 239, 240 and 243 together.
I am informed by the Garda Authorities that there are a total of 703 Garda Stations in the State. A full list of Garda Stations, listed by Division, is available at www.garda.ie. The Deputy will be aware that in accordance with section 22 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 decisions on the opening or closing of Garda Stations are for the Garda Commissioner in the first instance in the context of his Annual Policing Plan. I expect the draft Annual Policing Plan to be presented to me shortly and it will be laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas in due course.
With regard to residential accommodation in use by the Garda authorities, there are a number of official residences for garda use mainly in rural areas. The allocation of the accommodation is a matter for the Garda authorities. As is the case with all Garda accommodation, such residences are maintained by the Office of Public Works. I am advised that the Garda Síochána plan to prepare a new garda accommodation strategy and I expect that the requirements for official residential accommodation in the future will be examined as part of that strategy.
The remainder of the very detailed information which the Deputy has requested is not readily available and An Garda Síochána will need to dedicate resources to its collection. As soon as the information is to hand I will communicate it directly to the Deputy.
