Michael Lowry (Tipperary North, Independent)
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Question 554: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties at a Garda station (details supplied); if, in conjunction with the Garda Commissioner, additional Garda personnel will be provided at the station. [32985/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I have been informed by the Garda authorities, which are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that Littleton Garda station is a one-man Garda station and a sub-station of Thurles Garda station, divisional headquarters. I have been further informed that Littleton Garda station is open for a minimum of one hour per tour of duty and is also open by appointment or arrangement, according to daily requirement. In the absence of the member, all calls are dealt with by Thurles Garda station.

Garda management states that the private residence attached to Littleton Garda station was the subject of an arson attack on Sunday, 24 July 2005 and that three separate fires were found within the private residence. The scene was preserved and technically examined and the incident is subject to ongoing investigation. The official accommodation has not been occupied since then and the building is in the process of being refurbished. However, the Garda station at Littleton has remained open to the public.

Garda management also states that at 3.38 a.m. on 2 November 2005, the intruder alarm was activated at Littleton Garda station. At 3.44 a.m., a fire alarm was received at the same location. On arrival at the scene, the Garda found there was smoke coming from inside the Garda station. Fire services were requested and assistance directed to the scene. A person was arrested on the same date and an investigation file is being prepared for submission to the law officers for direction in early course. A portakabin will serve as a Garda station pending completion of repair works.

Local Garda management state they are satisfied that the resources attached to Littleton Garda station are utilised effectively to provide an adequate policing service to the residents of the sub-district, and that there are no plans to allocate additional Garda personnel to the station. In regard to Garda resources generally, the accelerated recruitment campaign to reach a record force strength of 14,000, in line with the commitment in the agreed programme for Government, is fully on target. This will lead to a combined strength, of both attested gardaí and recruits in training, of 14,000 by the end of 2006. The Garda Commissioner will draw up plans on how best to distribute and manage these additional resources. The needs of the Littleton area will be considered within the overall context of the needs of Garda areas throughout the country.