asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware of the extent of the increase in crime in Carrick-on-Suir, County Tipperary; and if, in view of this, he will provide extra gardaí for the area.

The Commissioner informs me that, while there has been an increase in the incidence of crime in the Carrick-on-Suir area, he considers that the present strength and patrolling arrangements there are reasonable having regard to other demands on Garda resources.

Did the Commissioner indicate that this increase in the pattern of crime in that area is repeated on a national basis in other towns of comparable size throughout the country?

I am afraid we cannot have an extension of this question. It would not be in order.

Is that pattern exceptional in this area or not?

I have not got information on other comparable towns but the information available to me with regard to Carrick-on-Suir is that there was a large number of disorderly incidents during the St. Patrick's weekend and this led to an increase in the crime statistics for Carrick-on-Suir. Hopefully that was a single occurrence.