asked the Minister for Justice if, in order to combat effectively the growing incidence of crime, he will, as a matter of urgency, increase substantially the present Garda force at Clonmel, County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

14.

asked the Minister for Justice if he has received a request from various bodies for an increased Garda Siochána strength in Clonmel, County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 13 and 14 together.

I have received no request in recent times for increased Garda strength at Clonmel.

The detailed deployment of Garda resources is a matter to be decided primarily by the Commissioner. The Garda authorities have informed me that, having regard to overall resources and other demands on Garda services, they consider that the present Garda strength in Clonmel is resonably adequate. The police needs of the area will be kept under review and will be further considered according as the additional manpower being recruited becomes available for assignment to the various centres.

In view of the increasing population and the increase in the size of the town would the Minister see a further need for a night patrol? In view of the rising vandalism rate in the area would he not see the need for a further deployment of the existing force, which I imagine is already overstretched? Would the Minister, in view of the increasing size of the town, agree that there is a need for an increase in manning levels?

There is no trace either in the Department, in my office, or with the Garda, locally or at headquarters, of any request for increased strength in Clonmel. I understand that there was a meeting of the Junior Chamber of Commerce in February and the incidence of crime was discussed and there were requests for increased Garda strength in Clonmel in 1977. At present there are 34 members of the force there. I have no doubt but that the town is growing. But these are factors which would be considered by the Garda Commissioner when he is making his decision as to whether the area would require extra police. I will convey the Deputy's comments to the Garda Commissioner for consideration.

Would the Minister agree that this question relating to Clonmel could be asked about any town of similar size in the state?

The question deals only with Clonmel.

Does the Minister expect Deputy Davern to be in a position to make representations about Clonmel after the date of the next general election?

That is a separate question.

That question should be channelled up the hill there on my left.

Deputy Davern will be in Europe; he will not be making representations.

I appreciate that the Minister has increased the numbers in the Garda Síochána tremendously in the last number of years. I would ask him to look seriously into the matter of increasing the patrol areas of the town in view of the vandalism. If he has figures relating to vandalism in the area or crimes at night time, would he look at these matters and ask the Garda Commissioner or the responsible authorities to increase the night patrols in Clonmel town?

I certainly will.

Questions Nos. 15 and 16 are for written reply.