Jerry Cowley (Mayo, Independent)
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Question 268: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his Department has established a dedicated drugs squad in County Mayo; the number of personnel exclusively dedicated to the drugs squad who are allocated to each station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39723/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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The Deputy will appreciate that the deployment of Garda resources is a matter for the Garda Commissioner.

The Garda authorities have informed me that a dedicated drugs squad has been established in Mayo Garda division and that two detective gardaí have been assigned to the squad, which is based at Castlebar Garda station. I understand that these members hold a divisional brief and liaise with uniformed and plain clothes personnel in all stations in the division with respect to intelligence gathering, planned searches, operations and arrests. I am further informed by the Garda authorities that uniformed members are also seconded to work with detective units in local drugs operations.

Jerry Cowley (Mayo, Independent)
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Question 269: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of convictions for drugs there have been in County Mayo in the past 12 months; the breakdown of the areas in County Mayo these convictions took place; the circumstances under which the arrest took place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39724/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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It has not been possible, within the timeframe available, to collate the information required by the Deputy. I will contact the Deputy directly when the information is to hand.