Vol. 559 No. 6
231 Mr. O'Dowd asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the increases which were made in the numbers of gardaí in local drug task force areas, as set down in the national drugs strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24537/02]
The allocation of specific resources is a matter for the Garda Commissioner having regard to various policing demands which include those arising from the problem of drug misuse. I understand that, since the publication of the national drugs strategy, there has been a moderate increase in Garda resources in a number of Garda stations, including those in local drugs task force areas. The overall position is that all members of the Garda Síochána are charged with enforcing the law in relation to drugs misuse. Since the publication of the strategy, Garda resources generally in the fight against illicit drugs have increased, particularly with the creation of divisional drug units. These drugs units operate in divisions throughout the country with a primary focus on local drugs activities. In addition, the Garda national drugs unit co-ordinates large scale operations against drug dealing-trafficking and unit personnel either investigate such cases themselves or assist local investigation teams. Additional assistance is also available from other specialised Garda support units, such as the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation and the Criminal Assets Bureau.
Question No. 232 answered with Question No. 230.
