asked the Minister for Justice if, in view of the large increase in the population in the Carrigaline, Crosshaven and Passage West areas of County Cork, he has any plans to increase Garda strength in the respective Garda stations.

The detailed deployment of members of the Force is a matter primarily for the Garda authorities. They have informed me that a vacancy for a Garda which exists at Passage West will be filled within the next few weeks but that, subject to this, they have no proposals at present to assign more manpower to the stations in question. The authorities consider that, having regard to overall resources and other demands on Garda services, the strength allocated to Carrigaline, Crosshaven and Passage West stations is reasonably adequate. The police needs of the three areas will however be kept under review.