asked the Minister for Justice if it is intended to increase Garda strength at Castledermot Garda station, County Kildare.

The Garda authorities consider that the present strength of Castledermot station is adequate for the needs of the area, having regard to other demands on Garda resources, and there is no proposal at present to increase the strength of the station party there.

Is the Minister aware that the Garda strength in Castledermot station is one sergeant and one garda?

I am so aware. That has been the position since September 1975.

Is the Minister saying that is adequate?

The Garda authorities stated they are satisfied the current strength is adequate for the needs of the area.

Having regard to the amount of bookwork to be done and time off for the Garda, at times the Garda barracks in Castledermot has to be locked up. It is also used as a kind of labour exchange where people sign on, and sometimes no one is available to oversee this signing on for unemployment benefit or unemployment assistance.

The Garda authorities assured me that, taking everything into consideration in regard to their obligations in the Castledermot area, they are satisfied the present strength is sufficient to cover the situation there.

Would the Minister ask the Garda authorities to have another look at the situation?

I will.