163 Mr. Cosgrave asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will provide foot patrols and increase the number of gardaí in Howth, County Dublin in view of the reported incidents, details supplied, of vandalism and unsocial behaviour in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4140/01]

: I am informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the allocation of personnel to individual areas, that the manpower strength, all ranks, of Howth Garda station has increased from 31 to 38 between January 1998 and January 2001. This represents an increase of 23%.

I am further informed that, during the summer and at weekends, additional foot patrols are deployed in the Howth village and seafront area and that resources are augmented from within the division as required.

The policing situation will be kept under review and the question of assigning additional manpower will be fully considered within the overall context of the needs of all Garda districts throughout the country.