asked the Minister for Justice if he aware of the concern expressed to Garda authorities regarding the proposed removal of a Garda squad car from Salthill Garda Station, Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

5.

asked the Minister for Justice if he will ensure that the Garda squad car allocated to Salthill Garda Station, Galway, will remain there indefinitely.

The object in withdrawing the patrol car as from the 24th of March is to release men for additional foot patrol and beat duty in the Salthill area. The new arrangement will be subject to periodic review. The Commissioner considers that the present arrangements provide adequate mobile coverage for Salthill and Galway.

I must repeat that the precise arrangements made for policing particular areas, and the allocation of manpower as between mobile and foot patrols, are matters for operational decision by the Garda authorities. I understand that the Commissioner met a deputation on this matter on 1st April and explained that the patrolling arrangements in Salthill would be kept under review.