Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 February 2014
207. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the extent to which adequate resources remain available to combat the activities of organised criminal gangs; if he is satisfied regarding the adequacy and strength of staffing levels to meet ongoing requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10252/14]
View answer208. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the degree to which adequate resources continue to remain available to the Garda authorities to deal with the ongoing problem of the activities of organised criminal drug dealers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10253/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 207 and 208 together.
As the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of all personnel and resources among the Garda Regions, Divisions, and Districts and I have no direct function in that matter. 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.
Tackling organised crime and drug related crime and those engaged in these activities are key functions of the Garda Síochána and indeed are highlighted in the Policing Plan of An Garda Síochána for 2014. Apart form the work of all members of the Garda Síochána, the National Bureau of Criminal Investigations, the Garda National Drugs Unit and the Criminal Assets Bureau operate at the forefront in this matter.
The Garda National Drugs Unit, working with other national units, including the Organised Crime Unit and the Criminal Assets Bureau, target persons involved in the illicit sale and supply of drugs. The specific strategies put in place by An Garda Síochána, to address drug trafficking include:
- The operation of dedicated Drug Units across the country. Ongoing training programmes for personnel as Divisional Asset Profilers, who have the specific remit of targeting assets of persons who are suspected of being involved in the importation, sale and supply of drugs at local levels;
- Continued close co-operation with the Revenue Commissioners (Customs Service) in the proactive investigation of persons suspected of being involved in drug-trafficking; and
- Given the global nature of the drugs trade international law enforcement co-operation remains a key element in the overall response. In this regard, An Garda Síochána has strong and strategic partnerships in place at international level targeting drug trafficking including in working closely with relevant law enforcement agencies such as Interpol and Europol and participating in the Maritime Analysis Operations Centre for Narcotics based in Lisbon (MAOC-N).
Actions taken against those involved in drug trafficking by our law enforcement agencies is continuing to yield significant results. An Garda Síochána advise that overall Garda drug seizures for 2013 are currently estimated to be valued at €67m.
