Shane McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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Question 226: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if there are proposals for a full time Garda station in Dunboyne, County Meath in view of its increasing population and a number of recent serious incidents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2791/08]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the personnel strength of Dunboyne Garda Station on 31 December, 2007 (the latest date for which figures are readily available) was 16. The opening hours for the station are from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday to Saturday and from 12 noon to 1 p.m. on Sunday. An increase in the opening hours of Dunboyne Garda Station would necessitate the employment of additional Garda personnel on indoor administrative duties who are more effectively employed on outdoor policing duties. Local Garda Management report that Dunboyne is patrolled on a 24 hour basis. Garda personnel assigned throughout the Country, together with overall policing arrangements and operational strategy, are continually monitored and reviewed. Such monitoring ensures that optimum use is made of Garda resources, and the best possible Garda service is provided to the general public. 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 Dunboyne Garda Station will be fully considered by the Commissioner within the overall context of the needs of Garda stations throughout the country.