John Curran
Ceist:362 Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when an application for citizenship by a person (details supplied) in Dublin 22 will be processed. [35783/07]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 19 December 2007
Ceisteanna (317, 318)
Freagraí scríofa
Officials in the Citizenship section of my Department inform me that there is no record of an application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's question.
Kathleen Lynch
Ceist:363 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the staffing levels of the Cork City Divisional Drug Unit in 1998 and on latest date for which figures are available; his views on the reason no increase in personnel has taken place despite the indication of increasing illegal drug activity and abuse; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35798/07]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am informed by the Garda Commissioner that in 1998, the personnel strength of the Cork City Drug Unit was 20. At that time, this Unit would have taken a lead role in Regional drug initiatives and operations in conjunction with the Garda National Drugs Unit.
Between 1998 and the present day, under the commitment of An Garda Síochána to the National Drug Strategy, Divisional and District Drug Units have been established nationwide, including additional Divisional Drug Units in the Southern Region. The current strength of the Cork City Divisional Drug Unit is 17. The combined strength of all Divisional Drug Units in Cork City and County is now 31.
The Cork City Divisional Drugs Unit is focused on Divisional operations. It leads intelligence driven and targeted operations and is supported in this Divisional responsibility by significant other resources, including specialist and plain-clothes personnel to combat organised and drug-related crime in the Division.
Expertise has also been developed in the Division by secondment of other divisional members to the Divisional Drug Unit, thereby enabling an increased level of activity on the street and cohesive operations across the Division. In addition to this of course, every member of An Garda Síochána is tasked with the enforcement of legislation, including drug-related legislation.
Garda personnel assigned throughout the country, together with overall policing arrangements and operational strategy, are continually monitored and reviewed. Such monitoring ensures that optimum use is made of Garda resources, and the best possible Garda service is provided to the general public.