Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I again thank Deputy Ó Snodaigh for raising this issue today. I will ensure the transcript of this debate is forwarded to the Superintendent in Kevin St. Garda station. The Deputy will also appreciate that the Garda Commissioner is by law responsible for the management and administration of Garda business. The Minister, Deputy Harris, is assured, however, that An Garda Síochána is fully committed and determined to effectively tackle individuals involved in the illegal drugs trade in the Dublin Metropolitan region and, indeed, across the country.

More broadly, of course, An Garda Síochána continues to target those involved in the sale and supply of illegal drugs through Operation Tara, which has a strong focus on tackling street-level dealing across the country. Operation Tara is a national priority for An Garda Síochána with a specific focus to disrupt and dismantle the drug-trafficking networks that impact on communities such as those in the Oliver Bond complex and to prosecute those involved at every level.

As the Deputy may also be aware, Operation Fógra, which was established in the Dublin metropolitan region to target suspects involved in drug related intimidation, is ongoing. Drug-related intimidation has a harmful impact on family members of persons who engage in drug-related activity. The objectives of Operation Fógra have increased front-line awareness of drug-related intimidation and enhanced collaboration among An Garda Síochána and support organisations. I welcome the significant convictions secured by the gardaí, which have led to the incarceration of key individuals involved in illegal drug dealing. Garda combatting of this serious criminality is making our communities safer.

See this speech in context