600 Mr. G. Reynolds asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a vacancy will be filled in view of the retirement of a Garda (details supplied) in County Leitrim. [8751/02]

I am informed by the Garda authorities, which are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources to individual areas, that the current strength, all ranks, at Ballinamore Garda station, County Leitrim is six as at 14 March 2002.

I am further informed that local Garda management is satisfied that the arrangements currently in place at Ballinamore are adequate to meet the present policing needs of the area. However, the situation will be kept under review and when additional manpower next becomes available the needs of Ballinamore will be fully considered within the overall context of the needs of Garda districts throughout the country.