Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 June 2014
564. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda drug units in operation; the number of gardaí attached to these units broken down in tabular form per Garda district; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25591/14]
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. 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.
I have however, been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the personnel strength of the Divisional Drugs Unit on 30 April 2014, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was as set out in the table hereunder:
|
Division |
Strength |
|
DMRSC |
17 |
|
DMRNC |
13 |
|
DMRN |
27 |
|
DMRE |
13 |
|
DMRS |
18 |
|
DMRW |
26 |
|
Waterford |
9 |
|
Wexford |
4 |
|
Kilkenny/Carlow |
6 |
|
Tipperary |
6 |
|
Cork City |
27 |
|
Cork North |
7 |
|
Cork West |
4 |
|
Kerry |
7 |
|
Limerick |
11 |
|
Donegal |
10 |
|
Cavan/Monaghan |
0 |
|
Sligo/Leitrim |
6 |
|
Louth |
6 |
|
Clare |
6 |
|
Mayo |
5 |
|
Galway |
12 |
|
Roscommon/Longford |
7 |
|
Westmeath |
6 |
|
Meath |
4 |
|
Kildare |
2 |
|
Laois/Offaly |
0 |
|
Wicklow |
2 |
