Garda Deployment.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 March 2004

Tuesday, 23 March 2004

Questions (470)

Seán Crowe

Question:

468 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the massive amounts of cocaine available in the Cabra and Phibsborough areas of Dublin; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that there are only six drugs officers assigned to the whole K district, which covers Finglas, Cabra and Blanchardstown; and if, in the context of the Government’s pledge to provide 2,000 extra gardaí, extra resources and personnel will be allocated to tackle the rising drugs problem in these areas. [8371/04]

Written answers

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

I am informed by the Garda authorities that there is no apparent recent increase in availability of cocaine in the areas covered by the K district nor is there evidence to suggest that there are massive amounts of cocaine available in those areas. Garda management in the K district is satisfied that the current strength of the K district drug unit is adequate to address the drug issues there. The strength of the unit is kept under constant review. Other operational gardaí, both uniformed and plain clothes, in the K district are also active in fighting drug misuse.

The current personnel strength of the K district as at 22 March 2004 is 267, all ranks. The current personnel strength of the K district drug unit is nine, all ranks.

I am assured by the Garda authorities that the situation will be kept under review and when additional personnel next become available the needs of K district will be fully considered within the overall context of the needs of Garda districts throughout the country.