Dáil debates
Wednesday, 28 September 2016
Other Questions
Garda Recruitment
7:50 pm
Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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24. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality when the Westmeath Garda division will have additional gardaí; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27384/16]
Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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I have been informed that the number of gardaí assigned to the Westmeath Garda division on 31 August 2016, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was 248 with 17 reserves and 20 civilians. As I have said in response to a number of questions put tonight on Garda reserves and community policing, the work of gardaí and reserves is supported, where appropriate, by the specialist units of An Garda Síochána, whether for criminal investigations, fraud investigations or drugs investigations. We want a very strong and visible police presence and support for Garda vehicles and investment in improved facilities, such as Garda stations that need upgrading, are part of a commitment to an effective police force that is fit for the 21st century and can ensure people are safe.
The accelerated recruitment is key to that. I will not repeat what I said earlier because the Deputy was present. Clearly, as we recruit more gardaí, reserves and civilians next year, I hope that every area will experience increases in the numbers and that we will start returning to the higher numbers that were in place previously. However, it is also about reform and more efficient policing.
8:00 pm
Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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Last week the local newspaper reported, on foot of a national report, that there are now situations where gardaí are searching houses in Kinnegad. Criminal gangs that are linked to "Fat" Freddie Thompson and gangs operating in Dublin are relocating to the midlands. They are coming into peaceful communities and causing disruption. The Minister spoke about accelerated recruitment for the Garda. I ask that these additional gardaí not be located exclusively in the capital city or other large urban areas. They are also needed in the rural and provincial towns around Ireland.
Finally, I wish to make a point about some of the replies from the Minister relating to Garda figures for personnel attached to particular stations. The figures are inaccurate. It might not be the Minister but certainly somebody is trying to manipulate the figures. In the case of Kinnegad, they say there are five gardaí there. There is not. There is no sergeant and there are only two operational gardaí.
Eugene Murphy (Roscommon-Galway, Fianna Fail)
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We must move ahead, Deputy.
Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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They say there are four gardaí attached to Killucan Garda station. There is not. There is one operational garda there. The problem is that specialised gardaí are being attached to local stations to manipulate the figures.
Eugene Murphy (Roscommon-Galway, Fianna Fail)
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I am sure the Deputy can hear me. We must move on.
Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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That is not on and is not fair. Perhaps the Minister would look into this and refer back to me.
Eugene Murphy (Roscommon-Galway, Fianna Fail)
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The Minister will refer back to the Deputy. Under the order of the House I must proceed to the next business.
Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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There is no manipulation. The Deputy can send me the details and I will follow up on it.
Eugene Murphy (Roscommon-Galway, Fianna Fail)
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I apologise to the Members who have been here for a long time waiting for their questions, such as Deputies Declan Breathnach and John Curran, but we have run out of time.