I propose to deal with Questions Nos. 83 and 103 together.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that there are currently two members based at Castlebar Garda Station dedicated to the investigation of drug offences, assisted by members from each of the Garda Districts within the Mayo Garda Division. In addition, it is the responsibility of every member of An Garda Síochána to implement drugs legislation.
I am further informed that plans by local Garda management are at an advanced stage to establish a dedicated Divisional Drugs Unit in Mayo, comprising of one Sergeant and four Gardaí and the unit is expected to be in place in the coming weeks.
In relation to the specific statistical information in relation to drugs offences being sought by the Deputy, it has not been possible, within the timeframe available, to collate such information. I will contact the Deputy directly when the information is to hand.
In terms of the Government's overall response to tackling the issue of drug misuse, I can assure the Deputy that the Government remains resolutely committed to addressing the problem through our National Drugs Strategy 2001-2008.
The National Strategy addresses the problem under pillar headings of education and prevention, supply reduction, treatment and rehabilitation and research and is firmly founded on the principle that drug misuse needs to be addressed in an integrated manner across these headings through a co-operative approach involving the statutory, community and voluntary treatment sectors.
Another feature of the Government's strategy is to ensure that the drugs problem is addressed on a nationwide basis. In this regard, Regional Drug Task Forces in ten designated areas, coterminous with the previous Health Board areas were established during 2003.
The Regional Drug Task Forces bring together statutory and voluntary organisations to work with local community and public representatives to ensure that a co-ordinated response to tackle the problem of drug misuse is in place within their regions. The Mayo county area comes under the remit of the Western Regional Drug Task Force.
Finally I can assure the Deputy that the trafficking and distribution of all illicit drugs at local, national and international levels will continue to be constantly monitored by the Gardaí.
