asked the Minister for Justice the position in relation to Banteer Garda station, County Cork; the number of gardaí there; and if he intends to increase the number.

As a result of a general review of the organisation of the force, the Commissioner advised that stations at a number of centres could be closed without loss of police efficiency. Banteer was one of these centres and was closed on 13th February. The area is now policed from the garda station at Kanturk, which is four miles away.