Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 267: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he is satisfied regarding the numbers, technology and resources available to the Gardaí to combat drug crime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31071/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I refer the Deputy to my reply to his question today (reference number 31069/06) in relation to numbers, technology and resources generally available to An Garda Síochána. Specifically in relation to combating drug crime, I may add that the National Drugs Strategy 2001-2008 specifies a number of supply reduction targets for An Garda Síochána in terms of all drug seizures and the Gardaí continue to achieve considerable successes in relation to these targets.

National Units, such as the Garda National Drugs Unit, the Criminal Assets Bureau and the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation all have specific roles in reducing drug supply and the material benefits which accrue from drug trafficking. All of these units operate under the direction of an Assistant Commissioner, National Support Services. These strategies continue to result in operational successes as evidenced by the ongoing levels of drugs seized by the Gardaí. The trafficking and distribution of all illicit drugs at local, national and international levels is constantly monitored by the Gardaí.

Local divisional drug units operate in divisions throughout the country with their primary focus being local dealers and users. Garda National Drugs Unit personnel provide assistance and expertise to these local units in operational, intelligence and training matters. The Garda National Drugs Unit, in conjunction with other Garda units, continues to undertake "targeted specific" operations against the larger illegal drug importation and distribution operations.

Regarding resources, the Garda National Drug Unit works closely with Divisional and District Drug Units in detecting and preventing the sale and supply of illegal drugs. Where necessary, these resources can be supplemented by Garda personnel operating at local level. The needs of drug units are and will be kept under ongoing review, including in the context of distributing the additional resources being made available arising from the Government's decision to increase the strength of An Garda Síochána to 14,000.

The Government's top policing priority for 2006 is to continue to target organised crime, including drug trafficking. The trafficking and distribution of all illicit drugs, at local, national and international levels will continue to be vigilantly monitored by the Gardaí. I am determined to ensure that An Garda Síochána is appropriately resourced to advance its objectives in this regard.