Vol. 455 No. 8
308 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Justice the current strength of the Dublin South Central Garda District Drug Unit; the number of cars, if any, specifically in the permanent use of that Unit; and if this situation will be urgently reviewed in the light of her commitment to making all necessary resources available. [13301/95]
I am informed by the Garda authorities who are responsible for the detailed allocation of Garda manpower to individual areas that there are three district drug units operating in the DMA South Central Division with a current strength of two Sergeants and 15 Gardaí.
There is a total of 11 vehicles available to the Detective Units, including the Drugs Units, within the DMA South Central Division. This transport is pooled at local level and is available to the district drug units as required. Because of the nature of the duties performed by these units, including covert surveillance, official transport is not always appropriate. The Divisional Task Force is also active in the detection of drug related crime and assists the district drug units in major drug operations. The Divisional Task Force comprises 12 members and has four vehicles available to it at all times.
I have been informed by the Garda authorities that they keep the strength and deployment of the District Drugs Units under continuous review.
The Deputy may also be aware that the Government recently approved the establishment of a new Garda National Drugs Unit. The establishment of this Unit follows on a series of legislative, financial, operational and organisational measures already announced which are designed to combat drug trafficking in a multifaceted way.
