asked the Minister for Justice if he will consider the placement of the Ardee Garda area, County Meath, under the control of either Drogheda or Dundalk superintendents rather than under the superintendent at Navan as at present.

The position is that, following a survey of the Louth/Meath Division by the Garda Research and Planning Unit which resulted in the re-establishment of Navan Garda District with effect from 15 July 1975, the sub-district of Ardee was transferred from the Drogheda district to the Navan district. I am informed by the Garda authorities that, following consultation with the local Garda officers, they are satisfied that this arrangement is operating satisfactorily and they do not consider that the reallocation of Ardee to either the Drogheda or the Dundalk district would result in an improved police service for the area. In the circumstances, no change in the present arrangement is contemplated.