Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 2 Feb 2000

Vol. 513 No. 4

Written Answers. - Garda Deployment.

Dick Spring

Ceist:

92 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the strength of the Garda national drugs unit in respect of staff numbers and their grades; his views on whether this level of operation is adequate to deal with the level of drug related crime, particularly in the Dublin area; the plans, if any, he has to expand this unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2660/00]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue)

The Garda authorities have informed me that the following is the current strength of the Garda national drugs unit:

Garda National Drugs Unit

Detective Chief Superintendent	1
Detective Superintendent	2
Detective Inspector	2
Inspector	1
Detective Sergeant	9
Sergeant	1
Detective Garda	33
Garda	1
Total	50

In addition, the strength of the dedicated local Garda drugs units in the Dublin metropolitan region is as follows:

Dublin Metropolitan Region

Inspector	1
Sergeant	18
Garda	97
Total	116

Furthermore, all members of the Garda Síochána have a responsibility for, and are tasked with, the enforcement of drugs legislation as part of the service they provide in their respective divisions.

I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that he is satisfied that the present levels of policing, which are of course kept under ongoing review, are adequate to combat drug-related crime.