357 Mr. Boylan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the plans he has to downgrade the Garda Síochána barracks in Mullagh; his views on whether it is important to retain as many Garda Síochána barracks in our towns and villages as soon as possible; if he will give an assurance that Garda Síochána barracks will be retained and upgraded and, where possible, extra manpower will be put in place. [18517/01]

The detailed deployment of Garda personnel is a matter for the Garda authorities who have informed me that there are no plans to downgrade Mullagh Garda station.

Moreover, the Garda authorities have also confirmed that the levels of Garda manpower assigned throughout the country, together with overall policing arrangements and operational strategy, are continually monitored and reviewed. This ensures that optimum use is made of Garda resources and that the best possible service is provided by the Garda to the general public.