asked the Minister for Justice if he will re-open the Garda Station at Littleton, Thurles, County Tipperary, or arrange to have a garda permanently domiciled there.

The Garda authorities have stated that having regard to other demands on Garda resources, the present arrangements for policing the Littleton area are reasonably adequate and the reopening of a Garda station at Littleton would not be justified at present.

Save where official accommodation is provided, the accepted practice in the Garda Síochána is that a member is free to live where he chooses provided he does not live at an unreasonable distance from his station and I do not think that a case for curtailing this freedom has been established.

Is the Minister aware of the alarm and unease that exists at present in this rapidly developing area, which is situated on the main Cork-Dublin primary road? Has he had any representations on this matter and is he aware of the dissatisfaction that has been expressed publicly in the area regarding the present arrangements? Having regard to the unsatisfactory arrangements, I would ask the Minister to reconsider the question of at least putting a garda permanently in the area.

I understand from the office of the Garda Commissioner that the present arrangements make the best use of the available resources in this area. I am aware of the demands being made for extra services and I will certainly communicate the Deputy's views to the Garda Commissioner for his consideration.

If the Minister is not aware of the position perhaps he would investigate the question of the increased vandalism in the area. This is leading to unease in the Littleton area.

I will have the Deputy's comments regarding vandalism conveyed to the Commissioner so that this may be taken into consideration.