Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 7 and 12 together.

All gardaí have a responsibility in the prevention and detection of criminal activity whether it be in the area of burglary, drug offences or otherwise. Specifically with regard to drugs, I can assure the Deputy that An Garda Síochána continues to proactively and resolutely tackle all forms of drug crime in this jurisdiction. The Garda national drugs unit works closely with dedicated divisional and district drug units and other national units, including the organised crime unit, as well as the Criminal Assets Bureau in targeting persons involved in the illicit sale and supply of drugs.

Regarding levels of crime across the country, the crime statistics for the 12 months ending on 30 September 2012 indicate reductions in 12 of the 14 crime groups. Crimes against the person, including homicide offences, are down 17.9%; sexual offences are down 0.7%; and assault and related offences are down 9.5%. Public order and damage to property offences are also down by 12% and 9.3% respectively, with drug offences down 7.1% and weapons and explosives offences down 17.4%. Burglaries, however, increased by 7.9% during the period. On the particular issue of burglaries, last year the Commissioner launched Operation Fiacla and as of the end of February 2013, 4,226 persons have been arrested and 2,327 persons have been charged under this operation.

The two separate tables show the strengths of the divisional drugs units at the end of each year from 2009 onwards and the Garda strength on a district basis from 2005 to 2012. Deputies will find that interesting. Details of the strengths of the divisional drugs units from 2005 to 2008, inclusive, are not readily available.

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