Garda hours and new recruits
Collins asked about changes in Ballyfermot Garda hours and when newly authorised recruits would reach Dublin. The Minister had no hours data, disputed that Collins’s claim was established fact, and said the first recruits were expected before year-end, with more than 50 arriving.
Could the Minister say whether or not there has been a diminution in the number of Garda hours worked in the Ballyfermot area in 1976 compared with 1974? Would the Minister state when the first batch of the 500 gardaí we were to have since last June will be on the streets, how many will be in that batch and how many of them will then be available for Dublin city?
Comment on this
I have no information as to the number of Garda hours worked. If the Deputy says something about this, I cannot contradict him.
Comment on this
The Deputy is alleging that as a fact, but I reckon that as his opinion. With respect, that is a different thing from being a fact.
Comment on this
That is the Deputy's opinion. I cannot say when the first garda will be on the streets but I imagine it will be before the end of the year.
Comment on this
How many new gardaí will be on the streets before the end of the year? Will the figure be between 50 and 60?