asked the Minister for Justice if a patrol car will be provided for Ardee Garda station, County Louth, as there has been a number of armed robberies there in the last year involving the post office and bank.

(Limerick East): The allocation of official transport to individual stations is a matter for the Garda authorities who have informed me that there is a radio-equipped patrol car assigned to Ardee station.

Is the Minister aware that the present car available in Ardee is a Renault 4 van? Does he accept that in this day and age that is totally inadequate for crime fighting?

(Limerick East): A Renault 4L car equipped with radio was allocated to Ardee station on 29 June 1983 to replace an Avenger patrol car which had been withdrawn from service. The Garda authorities consider the car is adequate to meet the present needs of the area.