I propose to take Questions Nos. 727 and 728 together.
All members of An Garda Síochána are tasked with enforcing the criminal law, including the Misuse of Drugs Acts, 1977/1984, as amended and the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act, 1996.
Currently the Garda Divisional Drugs Unit comprises one (1) Garda Sergeant and seven (7) Gardaí and is based across the Division in the Naas, Kildare (which covers the Athy area) and Leixlip Garda Districts. The unit targets those suspected of possession of illicit substances for personal use, sale and supply throughout the Division. The Unit is assisted in this task by all Garda personnel in the Division, in particular members of the District Detective Units.
All Gardaí receive drug training under the Student /Probationer training programme and where required further drug training is provided through the medium of the Continuous Professional Development process. All members of An Garda Síochána receive training in respect of the enforcement of the Misuse of Drugs Acts and the applicable law, procedures and presentation of Investigation Files, when enforcing same. Ongoing training, including updates on recently-enacted legislation, is also provided to all members of An Garda Síochána through the Continuous Professional Development School. Members of An Garda Síochána appointed as members of the Detective Branch also complete specialist detective training.
The Sergeant in charge of the Divisional Drug Unit represents An Garda Síochána on the local Drugs Task Force in Co. Kildare.