asked the Minister for Justice if, in view of the alarming increase in crimes of violence in the east Cork area, he will consider the reopening of Garda stations in that area.

In the time available I have not been able to obtain detailed information but the information supplied to me on a provisional basis suggests that there has been no significant increase in crime in the particular areas in east Cork where stations have been closed.

I am not considering at present any proposal to reopen Garda stations in east Cork Garda division but a review of police deployment is being carried out by management consultants who are engaged on an assignment in relation to the Garda Síochána.