Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 February 2022
270. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the extent to which individuals or gangs involved in the propagation of illegal drugs continue to be pursued vigorously with a view to closing down their operations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9018/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of Garda business, including the recruitment and training of Garda members and staff under Section 26 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended). The Commissioner also determines the deployment of An Garda Síochána throughout the State under Section 33 of the Act. As Minister, I have no role in operational policing matters.
Tackling criminal gang activity is a key priority for the Government and an ongoing priority for An Garda Síochána. The Government has supported An Garda Síochána in addressing the threat from organised crime gangs through the introduction of a range of legislative measures.
This includes the Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill, which was approved for drafting in September 2020 and will provide, among other matters, for an increase in the penalty for conspiracy to murder from 10 years to life imprisonment.
An Garda Síochána continues to develop and implement strategies to dismantle and disrupt criminal networks, utilising advanced analytical and intelligence methods. Gardaí target serious criminals and organised criminal groups through the use of focused intelligence led operations by specialist units and agencies such as the Organised Crime Unit, the Criminal Assets Bureau and the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
The Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB) is having significant success in disrupting the supply of illicit drugs by organised crime groups. Its work is supported by Divisional Drugs Units nationwide and by all Gardaí working in local communities, while working closely with international law enforcement partners. Gardaí continue to work closely with local authorities, the HSE, NGOs, community groups and other state agencies to tackle the problems of drug addiction and abuse.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that in 2021, the GNDOCB seized €63.689m in illicit drugs, and seized cash of €5.6m and £38,751 (UK). In addition, €8.23m, £142,520 (UK) and $23 (US) was forfeited to the State in 2021.
All drugs seized are subject to analysis by Forensic Science Ireland (FSI).
The Budget allocation provided to An Garda Síochána continues to increase, with an unprecedented allocation in excess of €2 billion from Budget 2022. This will allow for the recruitment of up to an additional 800 Garda members and 400 Garda staff. I encourage anyone considering a career in An Garda Síochána to apply to the new Garda recruitment campaign launched by the Commissioner last week, details for which can be found on Publicjobs.ie.
