Written answers

Tuesday, 20 November 2007

Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform

Garda Deployment

8:00 pm

Photo of John O'MahonyJohn O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 517: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the Gardaí in the Swinford district have adequate resources to deal with a situation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29853/07]

Photo of Brian Lenihan JnrBrian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Swinford District forms part of the Mayo Garda Division. The personnel strength of the Mayo Division on 31 October, 2007 (the latest day for which figures are readily available) was 311 (all ranks). Kilkelly is in the Swinford Garda District. The personnel strength of Swinford District on 31 October, 2007 (the latest date for which figures are readily available) was 49.

The Garda Commissioner states that on the date the incident referred to occurred there were seven members of the Garda Síochána, one (1) Sergeant and six (6) Gardaí deployed between 8 p.m. and 4 a.m., one of whom was detailed as Station Orderly. The remainder were patrolling the District in Swinford, Charlestown and Ballyhaunis in official patrol vehicles. Three (3) members of the Divisional Traffic Corps, based at Ballina Garda Station, were also deployed on duty in Swinford Garda District.

Many incidents of public disorder occur at weekends between the hours of 10 p.m. and 4 a.m., placing extra demands on Garda resources. On the night in question, three violent incidents occurred in the Swinford Garda District within a short period of time and within a radius of fifteen miles. The first call relating to this incident is recorded as being received at 11.03 p.m. Three arrests were made by 11.30 p.m. I am informed that all incidents were attended to without any unnecessary delay.

Swinford Garda District has benefited from increased allocations of Garda personnel in the last two years (1 sergeant, 1 D/Garda and 9 gardaí). Local Garda management is satisfied that there were adequate resources, including the Divisional Traffic Corps Unit, deployed on duty on the night the incident referred to occurred.

It is the responsibility of the Garda Commissioner to allocate personnel throughout the Force taking everything into account. The situation will be kept under review and when additional personnel next become available the needs of Swinford Garda District will be fully considered by him within the overall context of the needs of Garda Districts/Divisions throughout the country.

Photo of John O'MahonyJohn O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 518: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the expected response time from the Gardaí to a 999 emergency call; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29854/07]

Photo of Brian Lenihan JnrBrian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Programme for Government provides for a Garda Charter to be introduced which will ensure that the level of service provided by An Garda Síochána to the public is maintained at a high level. The Charter will set out targeted Garda response times and levels of service which the public can expect.

The Garda Public Attitudes Survey 2006 shows that one in twenty respondents sought an emergency Garda response in 2005 by dialling 999 or 112, a rate similar to previous surveys. Of those who did seek an emergency response, 80% had their call answered within 10 seconds. Where an emergency response involving the attention of Gardaí was provided, it came mostly within 15 minutes. For a number of reasons it is not always necessary that a Garda car respond to a 999 call, for example the call may have been misdirected and another emergency service was needed, not the Gardaí. The survey also shows that a majority of respondents (70%) were satisfied with the emergency response received, 1% more than in the 2005 report.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.