Vol. 573 No. 3
594 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Garda drug squad in the Waterford Division has not had an official vehicle since 5 September 2003 to carry out their operational duties; when such a vehicle will be provided; and the number of extra gardaí who have been allocated to the local drug task forces since the launch of the national drug strategy. [25358/03]
I have been informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the drug unit based at Waterford is a district drug unit with a strength of one detective sergeant, one detective garda and four uniformed gardaí assigned in plainclothes and engaged full time in the enforcement of the misuse of drugs legislation. I am further informed that one of the vehicles attached to the Waterford drug unit was returned to the transport section, Garda headquarters on 30 September 2003 for repairs. In the intervening period, the Waterford drug unit had access to a second vehicle permanently assigned to the unit as well as access to four other unmarked vehicles attached to Waterford Garda station. I am also informed that a multiagency committee has been established under the auspices of the national drug strategy in the south-eastern region. I am advised that a number of gardaí are actively involved with this committee.
