asked the Minister for Justice if, in view of the high incidence of crime and robbery with violence, he will consider having a member of the Garda on foot patrol at night in the Millstreet, Newmarket and Charleville areas of mid-Cork.

25.

asked the Minister for Justice if the Garda authorities will provide extra gardaí at Millstreet, Newmarket and Charleville, County Cork.

With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 24 and 25 together. The Garda authorities have indicated that, pending an increase in the overall strength of the force, it would not be possible to increase Garda strength at the centres mentioned. They consider that the present Garda strength and patrolling arrangements in Millstreet and Newmarket are reasonably adequate, but an increase in the strength of the station-party at Charleville will be considered when extra manpower becomes available for assignment to the various centres.

Does the Minister accept that there is considerable apprehension in rural areas about the lack of foot patrols and the closing of rural stations? Is it part of his policy to try to have further foot patrols in rural areas and would he examine the possibility of re-opening rural stations? I know it is a separate question but it arises out of the same matter.

The questions referred to specific Garda stations.

I assure the Deputy that if he asks his colleagues they will know full well that for practically three years I was crying out from the benches opposite for more gardaí in rural parts.

Has the Minister ceased to cry now?

No, I have not. I am doing something about it right now.