asked the Minister for Justice the number of gardaí assigned to Dalkey Garda Station as of January 1976, 1977, 1978 and 1979 and, in view of the increase in population in the area, if it is proposed to increase the Garda complement at this station.

The total strength of the Garda Síochána at Dalkey station on 1 January 1976, 1977 and 1979 was 19. It was 17 on 1 January 1978.

The Garda authorities state that the current strength at Dalkey, which is 19, is the maximum that can be provided at present having regard to overall resources and other demands on Garda services. The question of increasing the strength at the centre will, however, be considered further as soon as additional manpower becomes available for assignment.

Has the Minister any information on the increase in population in the area during that time?

There was a population increase of about 1,500 in the period in question.