Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 5 Oct 1995

Vol. 456 No. 5

Written Answers. - Garda Deployment.

Eric J. Byrne

Question:

105 Mr. E. Byrne asked the Minister for Justice if she will ensure that there are sufficient uniformed gardaí available to present a strong physical presence in those areas which suffer from a drugs problem in view of the fact that while residents of these areas appreciate the work of plain clothes officers, they feel there should be more uniformed patrols to deter the drug dealers from returning to their area; and specifically if she will now agree to release six more uniformed gardaí to a station (details supplied) in Dublin 8 in order that the policing impetus can be maintained. [14259/95]

Minister for Justice (Mrs. Owen)

The deployment of Garda manpower, uniformed or plain clothes, to individual areas, is a matter for the Garda authorities.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that it is necessary to employ tactics involving both plain clothes and uniformed gardaí. While it is accepted that the uniformed members provide a reassuring presence to the public plain clothes members provide essential surveillance and investigative input. Both sections together, therefore, contribute significantly to the overall aim of tackling drug abuse and the protection of the public.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that this strategy is employed in the area referred to as it is elsewhere throughout the country. They also inform me that the local Crime Prevention Unit have special responsibility for dealing with drug trafficking and drug related offences in the area. In addition, the District Drugs Unit, which is based at Kevin Street, targets known drug dealers and locations for drug dealing throughout the Sub-District. Locally based units together with the drug units at Pearse Street and Crumlin Station augmented by Central Drug Squad which is based at Harcourt Square regularly carry out joint surveillance and patrolling in relation to drug activities in the area concerned.

I understand from the Garda authorities that they are satisfied with the current strategies and the deployment of manpower and resources to tackle drug related crime in the Sub-District but they will keep the position under review.