Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Question 399: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the steps he is taking to tackle the increase in drug pushing in an area (details supplied) in Dublin 1; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26881/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I have been informed by the Garda authorities that an operation to target drug dealing within Dublin's north inner city has been extended by local Garda management to include the specific area referred to by the Deputy.

This operation includes both uniformed and plain clothes Gardaí. Since the start of this operation, three people have been arrested for the possession of drugs for sale or supply under Misuse of Drugs legislation. To date in 2006, a total of ten persons have been arrested in this area for drug-related offences.

I have been assured by the Garda authorities that this area is continually monitored by local uniformed and plain clothes Gardaí, both on the beat and in mobile patrols, and that this work is supplemented by Divisional Mountain Bike Units, the Crime Task Force, Divisional and District Drug Units as well as Operation Anvil personnel. Gardaí from the Community Policing Unit are also allocated to the area and perform regular foot patrols.