asked the Minister for Justice if it is intended to close Clontibret Garda station, County Monaghan.

25.

asked the Minister for Justice if it is intended to close Rockcorry Garda station, County Monaghan.

With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 24 and 25 together.

As a result of a general review of the organisation of the force, that is still proceeding, the commissioner has advised that, without loss of police efficiency, better use could be made of the manpower at his disposal by the closing or reduction of a number of stations. Rockcorry was one of these centres and arrangements have been made to close the station on 3rd July.

The commissioner has advised me that the area will be effectively supervised from the surrounding stations at Cootehill, Ballybay, Shantonagh, Shercock and Newbliss.

I have no proposal from the commissioner that Clontibret Garda station be closed. As part of the general review, future police arrangements in this locality will be examined by the research and planning unit of the Garda Síochána, but at this stage I can give no indication of the outcome.

Is the Minister aware that last year when a deputation went to the Department they received an assurance that if the station were closed one garda would be left in residence in the area?

The recommendation of the research and planning unit was that the station be closed and the commissioner has accepted that. He feels that the area can be effectively policed from the stations I have mentioned.