Vol. 537 No. 5
472 Mr. C. Lenihan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the measures he is planning to take to support the Tallaght local drugs task force by requesting the Garda Síochána to increase the number of gardaí in the Garda drug unit in the southern division of the Dublin metropolitan region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16605/01]
I am informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of personnel and resources to individual areas, that the total number of gardaí allocated to the drugs unit in this division is two sergeants and 14 gardaí. This strength will be maintained and should demands dictate that an increase is necessary it will be considered by the divisional officer in the context of the overall operational policing needs of the division.
I am further informed that the divisional officer is satisfied that all gardaí in this division, including the drugs unit, are active in the fight against drug dealers and the question of allocating additional gardaí to the drugs unit will be kept under review.
