Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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Question 432: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of times Ardfinnan post office, County Tipperary, has been raided during the past eight years; the number of convictions secured for each raid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4885/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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The post office at Ardfinnan, County Tipperary, has been subject to three raids in the last eight years, the latest occurring on the 31 January 2005. To date, no convictions have been secured arising from these raids. Preventative measures are ongoing, including mobile and foot patrols, by day and at night. The divisional crime prevention officer has also carried out a full survey of the office premises.

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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Question 433: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of hours a Garda station (details supplied) has been open during the past six months; the number of gardaí assigned to the station on a full-time basis; if the station is [i]de facto[/i] closed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4886/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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The Garda authorities responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, inform me that the personnel strength of Ardfinnan Garda station as at February 11 2005 was one garda.

The garda attached to Ardfinnan Garda station was on maternity leave from 14 June 2004 to 10 January 2005. In her absence a garda attached to Cahir Garda station visited Ardfinnan Garda station several days a week and dealt with matters.

Over the Christmas period, gardaí from Cahir performed foot patrol duty in the Ardfinnan area. Local Garda management state that during the past six months Ardfinnan Garda station has been open to the public for approximately four hours per week.

As of 10 January 2005, Ardfinnan Garda station is open to the public for two hours daily depending on the member's rostered tour of duty. When not open, public access call box and call diversion systems are in operation to the district headquarters at Cahir Garda station.