Willie Penrose (Westmeath, Labour)
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Question 102: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress made to date with regard to the recommendations contained in the report of the implementation steering group on the review of Garda Síochána structures; if he is considering proposals for the full closure of some stations and the closure of others during night hours; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10782/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I have no plans to reduce opening hours or close any Garda station.

The use of Garda stations was considered as part of the major review of the Garda organisation structures under the strategic management initiative programme of modernisation which looked in detail at a range of areas within the organisation. The Garda SMI implementation steering group's final report, which I have laid before the House and which is available on my Department's website and from the Government Publications Office, does not refer to the closure of any specific Garda station but rather makes recommendations to assist policy making in respect of the management and use of all available resources, including Garda stations.

It is also the case, however, that the position has changed significantly since the consideration of these issues under the strategic management initiative in that 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, might be developed by the Commissioner in this context.