Vol. 569 No. 3
385 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will assign more resources to support gardaí in tackling the problem of drug-dealing at a location (details supplied) in Dublin 8; and if he will call on all groups to support the work of the local policing forum (details supplied). [17676/03]
I am informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the day to day allocation of resources, including personnel, that the gardaí from the relevant station who police the location identified by the Deputy are augmented by the different specialist units which include the detective unit, the special resource unit, the drugs unit and the divisional crime task force based at Pearse Street station. The location also has a dedicated community policing Garda assigned to it on a full-time basis to address the concerns of the residents.
Gardaí target the location to ensure that a high visibility Garda presence is maintained. Known offenders are also targeted and many notable successes have been achieved. Policing strategies are kept under review by the relevant superintendent and tailored to meet given circumstances existing at any particular time. The Deputy will be aware that the location is currently undergoing regeneration. The superintendent serves as a member of the local regeneration board. Furthermore, gardaí keep in contact with local community groups through, in particular, the local policing forum, which has a Garda representative as a member. I certainly urge that the policing forum be fully supported. I have been assured by the Garda authorities that the location will continue to receive Garda attention.
