Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 February 2014
165. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when the drug squad for Kevin Street Garda station will be reinstated to tackle ongoing and increasing drug dealing in the south inner city of Dublin. [9819/14]
View answerAs identified in the National Drugs Strategy 2009-2016, drug law enforcement remains a key priority area for An Garda Síochána and the Government as part of the overall comprehensive approach in tackling the problem of drug misuse. Drugs and organised crime also continue to be prioritised by An Garda Síochána as a core focus for 2014, through An Garda Síochána’s Policing Plan.
I can assure the Deputy that An Garda Síochána continues to pro-actively and resolutely tackle all forms of drug crime in this jurisdiction. The Garda National Drugs Unit works closely with dedicated Divisional and District Drug Units and other national units, including the Organised Crime Unit and the Criminal Assets Bureau, in targeting persons involved in the illicit sale and supply of drugs.
As the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of personnel, including assigning members to Drugs Units, among the Garda Regions, Divisions, and Districts. Garda management keep this distribution under continuing review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the best possible use is made of these resources.
Specifically in relation to Dublin Metropolitan Region South Central Division, there are 683 Gardaí assigned to the Division of whom 134 are assigned to Kevin Street Garda Station. There are 11 members assigned to the Divisional Drugs Unit. The Division is also supported by 77 Garda Reserves and 26 civilian staff.
