Vol. 497 No. 7
171 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the plans, if any, he has to expand the Garda drugs squad in view of the recent statement by a senior Garda source that drugs were now available in every town in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26231/98]
I wish to inform the Deputy that the deployment of Garda resources is determined by the Garda Commissioner and significant Garda resources are committed to curbing the drug problem.
The Garda National Drugs Unit has a national brief in drug related operations. In addition, divisional drugs units operate in many Garda divisions throughout the country, with their primary focus being local dealers and users. Personnel from the Garda National Drugs Unit provide assistance and expertise to these local units and many members of the Garda Síochána received training in drug related policing.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that there is no provision for the expansion of the Garda National Drugs Unit at this moment in time.
