Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 July 2018
1125. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the annual cost of the national drugs unit in each of the years 2015 to 2017 and to date in 2018, in tabular form; the annual cost of each local drugs unit by area in the same period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34851/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere has been unprecedented investment in An Garda Síochána in recent years, in support of the Government’s commitment to ensuring a strong and visible police presence throughout the country in order to maintain and strengthen community engagement and provide reassurance to citizens and deter crime. Some €1.65 billion has been allocated to the Garda Vote for 2018, which represents an increase of approximately 2% over the allocation for 2017.
The Deputy will appreciate that the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the effective and efficient use of these resources made available to An Garda Síochána; and for the allocation and management of Garda resources, having due regard to his operational needs. As Minister, I have no role in that matter.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the expenditure for the Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau during the period requested was as follows:
2015: €8,323,575
2016: €12,600,597
2017: €14,848,315
2018* (January-June): €7,391,093
I am informed by the Garda authorities that it is not possible to provide costings for local drug units by area.
