Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 April 2017
101. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the provisions in place to tackle drug dealing in the midlands area generally and specifically in Counties Westmeath and Longford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16342/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra136. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the detail of the increase in drug-related crime in the midlands area in the past five years generally and specifically in Counties Westmeath and Longford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16343/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 101 and 136 together.
I wish to advise the Deputy that it has not been possible to provide the data sought in the time available for reply.
However, I have requested the Garda authorities to provide the requested information and I will write to the Deputy again when the report is available.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 42A
I refer to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 101 and 136 of Tuesday, 4th April 2017 with regard to drug-related crime in the midlands area generally and specifically in counties Westmeath and Longford.
As you will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of resources among the various Garda Divisions and Districts, and I as Minister have no direct role in the matter.
Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review so as to ensure that the optimum use is made of resources.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that the assignment of Garda personnel and overall policing arrangements and operational strategies are determined by a number of factors including population, crime trends and the policing needs of each Garda Division.
With regard to the Westmeath and Roscommon/Longford Divisions, I am informed by the Garda authorities that the District Detective Units and Divisional Drug Units in the Westmeath and Roscommon/Longford Divisions are engaged in the proactive investigation of crime in their respective Divisions, including drug-related crime. Local Gardaí are supported and supplemented when necessary by Regional and National Units such as Regional Support Units, the Garda National Drugs & Organised Crime Bureau and the Criminal Investigation Bureau, as well as the Criminal Assets Bureau. Of course, all Garda personnel have responsibility for dealing with drug-related crime and the enforcement of Misuse of Drugs legislation which will be reflected in related detections made.
As you will be aware the Central Statistics Office (CSO), as the national statistical agency, is responsible for the publication of recorded crime statistics. In relation to the matters referred to, I have requested the CSO to provide the available statistics directly to you.
Finally, with regard to the available resources I am also informed that following the recommencement of recruitment to the Garda Síochána it is envisaged that additional resources will be made available to policing within both the Westmeath and Roscommon/Longford Divisions.
