asked the Minister for Justice how many unarmed gardaí are deployed on the beat throughout the country at any point in time.

(Limerick East): The number of gardaí on beat duty varies from time to time. It is determined in each area by local Garda officers and is dependent on such factors as the level of available resources, local circumstances and the time of day or night. All beat duty is performed by unarmed uniformed members.

Has the Minister any idea of the numbers that would be involved on beat duty at specific times, for instance, in the middle of the night or during the day or in any particular area?

(Limerick East): The number of gardaí assigned to foot patrol duty in any area is not constant but relates to the variable factors outlined in the answer.

19.