I propose to take Questions Nos. 405 and 406 together.
As the Deputy will be aware, operational matters are an issue for the management of the Garda Síochána. I am informed by the Garda authorities that the local drugs units responsible for the areas mentioned carry out searches on suspects identified as being involved in drug activity and that a number of successful detections and prosecutions have been made. I am further informed that the Ballyfermot Road is patrolled on an ongoing basis by community gardaí and the national drugs unit. The divisional task force also carries out patrols in the area.
The gardaí in this area utilise Operation Clean-Street to target drug dealers operating at street level and have had considerable success in this regard. This operation is co-ordinated by the Garda national drugs unit and is run in conjunction with personnel based in local drugs units.
With regard to the Deputy's question concerning the Thomas Street-Francis Street-Meath Street areas, I am informed by the Garda Síochána that the policing of these areas is carried out by officers based at Kevin Street station and consists of patrolling by uniformed gardaí, detective units, the divisional crime task force, the special resource unit, the Garda mountain bike unit and the community policing unit. The district drugs unit at Kevin Street station also constantly patrols these areas.