Dinny McGinley (Donegal South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 93: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans to upgrade services at Bunbeg Garda station, County Donegal (details supplied). [35653/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities, which are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the personnel strength of Bunbeg Garda station as at 22 November 2005 was six, all ranks. I am further informed that while Bunbeg Garda station is not open on a 24-hour basis, 24-hour Garda cover is provided in the area. The policing service at Bunbeg is augmented by members attached to Annagry and Dungloe Garda stations. Additional patrols are provided by the Glenties district patrol car and the district detective unit when required.

Garda management report that there are currently no plans to extend the opening hours of Bunbeg Garda station to a 24-hour basis as the extension of the opening hours of Garda stations, in general, necessitates the employment of additional personnel on indoor administrative duties who may be more effectively employed on outdoor policing duties. Garda management state that they will continue to monitor and appraise the policing and administrative strategy employed throughout the area with a view to ensuring that an effective Garda service is maintained.

In relation to Garda resources generally, the accelerated recruitment campaign to reach a record force strength of 14,000, in line with the commitment in An 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 now be drawing up plans on how best to distribute and manage these additional resources, and in this context the needs of the Glenties district and Bunbeg Garda station will be fully considered within the overall context of the needs of Garda districts and stations throughout the country.