John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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Question 26: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the action he intends to take in view of reports that at least a quarter of all Garda stations are in need of full or significant refurbishment. [3580/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I have indicated previously that I regard the provision of adequate and proper accommodation for the Garda Síochána as a very important issue.

There are in excess of 700 Garda stations in the country. This figure does not include major complexes like Garda Headquarters in the Phoenix Park in Dublin, the Garda College in Templemore and other units of accommodation. The Deputy will appreciate that it is not a simple task to maintain and refurbish so many Garda buildings, and certainly not one that is amenable to a quick fix solution. However, this task is being tackled in a systematic and purposeful manner through the Garda building programme. Those stations most in need of attention have been identified and are being addressed in a prioritised way, with the co-operation of the Garda authorities, the main representative associations, the OPW and my own Department.

The Office of Public Works has indicated to me that it plans to spend of the order of €112 million in the period 2005 to the end of 2007 on a wide range of Garda projects including, for example, major projects in Ballymun, Finglas and Claremorris. In addition, the Office of Public Works is engaged in ongoing smaller projects involving refurbishment and maintenance related issues at Garda stations. That office has informed my Department that in 2005, €5.2 million was spent on 38 Garda stations on such works. This is additional to a budget in excess of €7 million for 2005 in the Garda Vote for maintenance of Garda premises.

The Office of Public Works is reviewing, in consultation with my Department and the Garda authorities, the equity exchange programme, which aims to replace inadequate small Garda stations with modern, purpose built, stations on an exchange of equity basis.