Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 199: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the opening hours of a Garda station (details supplied) in County Donegal; his plans to increase the opening hours of this station and the number of Garda assigned to this station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31290/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy will be aware that the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, throughout the Garda Síochána and I have no function in that matter.

I have been informed by the Commissioner that Malin Garda Station is open to the public from 6pm to 7pm Monday to Friday. When Malin Garda Station is not open Public Access Call Box and Call Diversion is in place to Buncrana Garda Station which is open on a 24 hour basis. An increase in the opening hours of Malin Garda Station would necessitate the employment of additional Garda personnel on indoor administrative duties who may be more effectively employed on outdoor policing duties.

I have been further informed that the strength of Malin Garda Station on 31 May 2012, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was 3. Malin Garda Station forms part of the Buncrana District of the Donegal Garda Division. The personnel strength of the Buncrana District and Donegal Division on the same date was 75 and 433, respectively. In addition, there were 29 Garda Civilians and 24 Garda Reserves attached to the Donegal Garda Division on that date.