Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 443: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the rules or guidelines in relation to the appointment of members of An Garda Síochána to Garda stations within their home county and within a specified distance form their original family home. [2851/07]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I am advised by the Garda authorities that the guidelines in relation to members of An Garda Síochána serving at certain stations are set out in An Garda Síochána Code. In the above regard, the position is that a member is not permitted to serve at any Station which is within 32 kilometres of any place where the member, or the member's spouse/partner, has relatives permanently residing; the member's spouse/partner, or other family members or relatives engages in any business requiring a licence or certificate, the grant of which, by a Court or otherwise, may be opposed by An Garda Síochána. In addition, a member is not permitted to serve at any Station which lies within 32 kilometres of any place where the member's spouse/partner or other family member is the proprietor of any business which is conducted from a shop.

For the purposes of the code, the term "relative" includes all relatives within (but not including) the degree of second cousin, other than serving members of An Garda Síochána or the Defence Forces, or the spouses/partners of such members, or relatives residing in the Dublin Metropolitan Region, or in the cities of Cork, Waterford, Limerick, Galway or Kilkenny.

Finally, I am advised that the Commissioner may grant an exemption from the provisions of the Garda Síochána Code in this context, if he deems that the circumstances pertaining to a particular member justify same.

Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 444: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the station party at Castletownbere Garda Station, which was a sergeant plus five Gardaí has now been reduced to one sergeant plus one Garda; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that this Garda station is the only one which covers the extensive Beara area; and the steps he will take to ensure that it is brought fully up to strength. [2852/07]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I have requested a report from the Garda Commissioner in the matter and I will be in contact with the Deputy when this is to hand.