Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 12: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if adequate numbers of Gardaí are available to combat the drugs problem with particular reference to the areas throughout the country that are currently most seriously subjected to the activities of drug dealers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22199/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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The Deputy will appreciate that policing operations and the deployment of Garda resources are matters for the Garda authorities. It is the responsibility of Garda management to allocate personnel to and within divisions on a priority basis in accordance with overall policing requirements. However, I am, of course, in regular contact with the Garda Commissioner in order to keep the measures and resources for tackling serious crime under continuing review. The overall allocation of Garda resources, including manpower, to the Garda Commissioner reflects the Government's policing priorities (including combating drug trafficking) and An Garda Siochana has never in its history been better resourced.

The Deputy will be aware of the Government's decision in October, 2004 to approve my proposals for the recruitment of 2,000 additional Gardai to increase the strength of An Garda Siochana to 14,000. Delivery of this commitment is on target and will be achieved. The combined strength of attested Gardai and recruits in training will reach 14,000 by the end of 2006 and the additional resources are being allocated to areas most in need, including areas with a significant drug problem.

The Garda National Drugs Unit (GNDU), in conjunction with other specialist Garda units such as the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation and the Criminal Assets Bureau, continues to undertake "targeted specific" operations against the larger illegal drug importation and distribution operations.

The GNDU also works closely with divisional and district drug units in detecting and preventing the sale and supply of illegal drugs. It provides assistance and expertise to these local units in operational, intelligence and training matters. Divisional and district drug units operate in divisions throughout the country and their primary focus is to target local dealers and users. Where necessary, these resources can be supplemented by other Garda personnel operating at local level. All Gardaí have responsibility, inter alia, to deal with drug related issues as they arise.

There is also targeted patrolling by uniform and plain-clothes personnel of problem areas in order to detect and disrupt persons involved in drugs activity.

The trafficking and distribution of all illicit drugs at local, national and international level will continue to be vigilantly monitored by An Garda Siochana. Allocations of Garda personnel throughout the country, together with overall policing arrangements and operational strategy, are continually monitored and reviewed. This ensures the optimum use of Garda resources and provision of the best possible service to the general public.