Tony Gregory (Dublin Central, Independent)
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Question 251: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 194 of 12 December 2006, if he will request the Gardaí to liaise with the Defence Forces with a view to replacing some of the Garda personnel at Áras an Uachtaráin with Defence Forces personnel to free up the Gardaí for other anti-crime duties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1041/07]

Tony Gregory (Dublin Central, Independent)
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Question 480: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 194 of 12 December 2006, his views on the civilisation of the static security currently carried out by members of An Garda Síochána at Áras an Uachtaráin, Dublin 7 to free up Gardaí for work in the community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2975/07]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 251 and 480 together.

The policing function of the Garda Síochána necessarily involves protection duties, including in relation to the Office of the President. It is not the practice, and it would be contrary to the public interest, to comment upon the details of such protection duties.

Having regard to their competencies in this area, decisions in relation to the fulfilment of protection duties are a matter for the Garda authorities.

Tony Gregory (Dublin Central, Independent)
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Question 252: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Gardaí in the National Drug Unit in 1996, 2005 and 2006; the number of these who are operational Gardaí as distinct from administrative or office based Gardaí. [1042/07]

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 392: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of positions allocated to the Garda National Drugs Unit; the number of Gardaí currently working in the Division; the number of vacancies within the Division; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2247/07]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 411: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will confirm reports from the head of the Garda National Drugs Unit (details supplied) who reported on 15 January 2007 that the GNDU remains under resourced with 20% of positions in the unit currently vacant; the length of time these positions have been vacant; the steps taken to fill them; and when they will be filled. [2378/07]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 252, 392 and 411 together.

I am informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the total personnel resources available to the Garda National Drugs Unit as at 31 December 1996, 2005 and 2006 was as set out in the table below.

In addition, It should also be noted that the total personnel strength of Garda Divisional Drug Units has increased from 273 to 283 over the period 31 December, 2004 to 31 December, 2006.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that a competition will be advertised very shortly to appoint additional members to the Garda National Drugs Unit to replace members who have recently retired or been promoted from the Unit.

Tony Gregory (Dublin Central, Independent)
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Question 253: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Gardaí in each Garda Divisional Drug Unit in 2004, 2005 and 2006. [1043/07]

Tony Gregory (Dublin Central, Independent)
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Question 254: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the location and strength of each local Garda Drug Unit in 2004, 2005 and 2006. [1044/07]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 253 and 254 together.

I have been informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the personnel strength (all ranks) of An Garda Síochána as at 31 December, 2006 was 12,954. This compares with a total strength of 10,702 (all ranks) as at 30 June, 1997 and represents an increase of 2,252 (or 21%) in the personnel strength of the Force during that period. The number of recruits in training at the Garda College as at the 31 December, 2006 was 1,114 which resulted in a combined strength (all ranks), of both attested Gardaí and recruits in training of 14,068 as of that date. Furthermore, I should say that in December, 2006 as part of a package of anti-crime measures, the Government approved the continuation of the existing Garda recruitment programme to achieve a total Garda strength of 15,000. The Garda Budget now stands at €1.4 billion, an 11% increase on 2006 and a 96% increase since 1997 in real terms.

I have been further informed that the personnel strength (all ranks) of each of the Garda Divisional and District Drugs Units as at 31 December, 2004, 2005 and 2006 was as set out below.

The total personnel strength of Divisional Drug Units has increased from 273 to 283 over the period 31 December, 2004 to 31 December, 2006. As with any large organisation, on any given day personnel strengths of district and local drug units may fluctuate due to promotions, retirements and transfers.

Garda management state that all Gardaí have responsibility, inter alia, to deal with drug related issues as and when they arise.

It is the responsibility of the Divisional Officer to allocate personnel within Garda Divisions on a priority basis in accordance with the requirements of different areas. These personnel allocations are determined by a number of factors including demographics, crime trends and other operational policing needs. Garda management state that such allocations are continually monitored and reviewed along with overall policing arrangements and operational strategy. This ensures that optimum use is made of Garda resources, and that the best possible service is provided to the public.