asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware of the serious concern felt by the residents in the Athy area of County Kildare because the Garda station in Athy is unmanned between the hours of 1.30 a.m. and 10.00 a.m.; and if he will take steps to meet the people's wishes by having the station manned at all times.

The Garda Síochána have indicated that the present opening hours of Athy station have been so fixed as to enable the station party to carry out the maximum amount of the more important outdoor police duties, while maintaining an adequate office service. They do not consider that an extension of the opening hours would be justified at present, but the matter will be kept under review.

Could I ask the Minister if he is aware of the widespread concern and disagreement with the view held about having important stations unmanned throughout the night, about the fact that nobody really knows where to contact the Garda Siochana quickly in case of trouble, and if there was somebody in the station it would be possible to make contact very quickly?

What the Deputy suggests would be very desirable in practice in every police station in the country, but unfortunately it is not so, and the Deputy understands the reason for it as well as I do. I understand that there was one request over the last 12 months for an increase in Garda strength in the area. I understand from the Commissioner that he considers the present opening hours of the station as adequate, having regard to the available strength and the needs of the outdoor service; he does not recommend an extension in the opening hours.

I gather that when the station is closed——

May I ask if the Minister is aware——

The Deputy will please wait and resume his seat.

Would the Minister indicate the appreciation that the Irish people have for the members of the Garda Siochana?

I understand that when the station is closed a notice is placed in the window directing the public to communicate with Carlow Garda Station which is 11½ miles away, and matters requiring attention in Athy are then attended to by the Carlow patrol car if available, otherwise by the Naas patrol car. I understand that in cases of urgency people usually contact members of the Athy station party at their homes and the local members then attend to the matter. In addition the patrol car allocated to Athy is in operation at weekends until 2.30 a.m. when considered necessary. That is the position.

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