FG to oppose Garda Bill if rural stations are closed

Fine Gael says it will oppose the Garda Bill if the Minister for Justice, Mr McDowell, goes ahead with proposals to close some rural Garda stations.

Mr McDowell was "out of touch" with people's fears and rural communities should not have to suffer for the failure of the Government to adequately resource the fight against crime, according to Fine Gael's justice spokesman.

Mr John Deasy said: "Fine Gael cannot and will not support any move to reduce the police presence, particularly in rural areas. This is a backwards step and will only serve to make people feel underpoliced and more vulnerable. Fine Gael will oppose the forthcoming Garda Bill if it includes provisions to close any Garda stations."

Mr Deasy was reacting to Mr McDowell's proposal to "outsource" a number of services administered by the Garda, such as processing fines, delivering summonses, signing passport applications and processing the points system, to concentrate Garda resources on fighting crime.

His intention to look at the laws relating to gang membership was a "positive first step", Mr Deasy said, but "once again, Minister McDowell is demonstrating that he is not in touch with the fears of communities. Whether the Minister is prepared to admit it or not, illegal drugs are available in every village and town in the country."

Labour has also questioned the new proposals, claiming that Mr McDowell has failed to implement a number of previous proposals, including the removal of Garda security at official buildings.

Labour's justice spokesman, Mr Joe Costello, said: "This must be the fifth or sixth occasion in recent months where the minister has made such an announcement, but we have still to see any actual reform."