asked the Minister for Justice the number of Garda stations which have been closed since 1955, and the annual saving effected by the closing down of these stations.

The number of Garda stations closed since 1955 is 32. The savings to the Garda Síochána Vote effected by the reduction of personnel due to the closing of these stations is estimated at £50,000 annually.

Further savings are effected by their closing in the Vote for Public Works and Buildings but I am not in a position to indicate what these savings would amount to.