Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein)
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Question 243: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of members the Tallaght Drugs Unit have had, per year, over the past five years; and if he has proposals to increase the number in this unit in view of the prevalence of drugs in the area. [43930/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities that the total personnel strength (all ranks) of the Tallaght Drug Unit as of 31 December for the years 2002- 2006, inclusive, was as per the following table:

In addition to the work undertaken by that unit and the National Support Units, a significant part of whose work would relate to drug related activities in the area, all Garda personnel in the area and elsewhere have responsibility for the enforcement of drug legislation.

As the Deputy will appreciate, it is the responsibility of Garda management to allocate personnel to and within Garda Divisions on a priority basis in accordance with the requirements of different areas.

These personnel allocations are determined by a number of factors including demographics, crime trends, administrative functions and other operational policing needs.

Garda management state that such allocations are continually monitored and reviewed along with overall policing arrangements and operational strategy. This ensures that optimum use is made of Garda resources, and that the best possible service is provided to the public.

Finally, the current recruitment drive to increase the personnel strength of An Garda Siochána in line with Agreed Programme for Government commitments is fully on target with a combined strength (all ranks) of both attested Gardai and recruits in training numbering 14,068 as on 31 December 2006.

The Garda Commissioner is currently drawing up plans on how best to distribute and manage these additional resources, and, in this context, the policing needs of Tallaght will be given the fullest consideration.