Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 December 2005
268 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his Department has established a dedicated drugs squad in County Mayo; the number of personnel exclusively dedicated to the drugs squad who are allocated to each station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39723/05]
View answerThe Deputy will appreciate that the deployment of Garda resources is a matter for the Garda Commissioner.
The Garda authorities have informed me that a dedicated drugs squad has been established in Mayo Garda division and that two detective gardaí have been assigned to the squad, which is based at Castlebar Garda station. I understand that these members hold a divisional brief and liaise with uniformed and plain clothes personnel in all stations in the division with respect to intelligence gathering, planned searches, operations and arrests. I am further informed by the Garda authorities that uniformed members are also seconded to work with detective units in local drugs operations.
269 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of convictions for drugs there have been in County Mayo in the past 12 months; the breakdown of the areas in County Mayo these convictions took place; the circumstances under which the arrest took place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39724/05]
View answerIt has not been possible, within the timeframe available, to collate the information required by the Deputy. I will contact the Deputy directly when the information is to hand.
