Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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134. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality to set out the basis of her assertion made in a recent Parliamentary Question reply to this Deputy that all Garda Síochána stations in the Salthill and Clifden Garda Síochána divisions, other than the stations in Clifden, Salthill, Oughterard and An Cheathrú Rua, are open each weekday from Monday to Friday from 10.00 a.m. to 1 p.m., when evidence from the public clearly shows this to be incorrect; if she will re-examine the matter to ascertain, as per this Deputy's original question, the actual opening times of these stations since 1 April 2015; the steps she will take to ensure that information provided to her for replies to parliamentary questions is accurate; the steps she will take to ascertain the reason incorrect information was provided to her to provide to this Deputy in her reply; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27957/15]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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Decisions in relation to the allocation of Garda resources, including station opening hours, are a matter for the Garda Commissioner in the context of her operational requirements and I have no direct function in the matter.

The Deputy will appreciate that the information provided in reply to Parliamentary Question 444 of 16 June 2015 relates to the designated opening hours of the named Garda stations, as advised by the Garda Commissioner.

I am advised by the Garda Commissioner, however, that due to the exigencies of the service and given the nature of rural policing it is not always possible for a member of An Garda Síochána to remain within the confines of the station. On occasion the member is required to attend to calls within his/her area of responsibility depending on the nature of the incident. Once the incident has been dealt with the member in question will be in a position to return to the Garda Station to deal with any member of the public requiring their assistance. If a person calls to any of the specified Garda Stations during the periods designated as opening hours and a Garda member is not in attendance, they may contact the District Headquarters namely Salthill (091-514720) or Clifden Garda Station (095-22500) who will ensure that appropriate arrangements are made in order that the required service is afforded to the person concerned.

I am also advised that the matter of opening hours of sub-district stations is subject to continual review and alteration by Garda management in the context of policing priorities and resources available.