Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 395: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the concerns expressed by the Garda Representative Association in relation to many Garda stations here and the fact that the ten worst stations have been highlighted with complaints of rat infestation, faulty wiring, lack of office space, inadequate toilets and showers, and lack of parking space and storage; and if he will establish a programme to deal with substandard Garda stations. [17974/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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The Deputy can be assured that there is a major work programme in place to progress the renovation or replacement of specific Garda stations in order to bring them up to the highest standard. Last year, alone, the Office of Public Works spent €26 million on Garda Building projects such as Bantry, Ballyshannon, Roscrea, New Ross and Ballina Garda Stations as well as a major building programme in the Garda College. A wide range of projects are scheduled between now and 2007, which include Ballymun, Claremorris, Oranmore and Finglas. Indeed, between the start of 2005 to the end of 2007, the Office of Public Works will spend approximately €112 million on a wide range of Garda building projects. I am determined that the progress made to date will be maintained.

The stations referred to by the Deputy form part of an overall list of 40 to 50 projects that have been prioritised and are being advanced. It is important to note that progress on the Garda major building programme is achieved by consensus and with the cooperation and commitment of all concerned — the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, the Garda authorities and Representative Associations and the Office of Public Works from whose Vote the capital works to Garda properties are funded. Indeed, the GRA and other Associations are actively involved and consulted in relation to both the prioritisation of various projects and on the identification of the actual accommodation requirements at each station.

On a more general note, the administration of the building programme will be streamlined over the coming months. Interviews have just taken place for the recruitment of a new civilian Accommodation Officer in An Garda Síochána with specific skill in this area and an appointment is expected in the near future. Also, the upcoming transfer of Accounting Officer functions to the Garda Commissioner will improve the efficiency of the system as some of the functions currently split between the Gardaí and my Department will transfer to An Garda Síochána.