Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 214: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the value of resources made available at local level to existing drugs units in line with An Agreed Programme for Government Between Fianna Fáil and the Progressive Democrats 2002. [13123/07]

Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 222: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the resources, both financial and otherwise, allocated to the Garda National Drugs Unit for each year from 2002 to date in 2007. [13131/07]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 214 and 222 together.

The enforcement of the law relating to drugs and public order continues to be a key element in the Government's policing priorities as reflected in An Garda Síochána's Policing Plan for 2007. The Gardaí continue to achieve considerable successes in reaching the drug seizure targets set down in the Government's National Drugs Strategy 2001 — 2008.

The Garda National Drugs Unit co-ordinates large scale operations against drug dealing/trafficking and Unit personnel either investigate such cases themselves or assist local investigation teams. Additional assistance is also available from other specialised Garda support units, such as the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation and the Criminal Assets Bureau. A joint Garda National Drugs Unit/Criminal Assets Bureau initiative is now in place which targets local dealers.

Since the publication of the Government's National Drugs Strategy 2001-2008, Garda resources generally in the fight against illicit drugs have increased. This is particularly evident with the creation of Divisional Drug Units in areas of particular need. These Drugs Units operate in Divisions throughout the country with a primary focus on local drugs activities. The total financial resources allocated to the National Drugs Unit over the period 2002 to end of March, 2007 is as follows.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that resources are allocated annually to the National Drugs Unit rather than to individual Drugs Units.

There is a total of 331 Gardaí dedicated to national and regional drugs units. These units are also supported in their work by officers from other national units such as the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation and the Criminal Assets Bureau. Of course all Gardaí have responsibility for dealing with drug related issues as they arise. I am further advised that the total personnel strength of the National Garda Drugs Unit for the periods in question were as set out in the table below.

Garda Management have further advised that a process is currently underway to recruit an additional two Sergeants and ten Gardaí to the Garda National Drugs Unit thereby bringing the personnel strength of the unit to 60. The Deputy will appreciate that, as with any large organisation, on any given day, personnel strengths of individual units may fluctuate due, for example, to promotions, retirements and transfers.

There are 103 vehicles allocated to the local Drugs Units — a 12% increase on the 2002 figure. Other equipment is provided as required.

The Government decision to increase the overall strength of An Garda Síochána to 15,000 will assist in enabling additional Garda resources to be targeted at the areas of greatest need, with areas where there is a significant drug problem being deemed a particular priority.

The manner in which Gardaí are allocated to various specialist units is ultimately a matter for Garda Management to decide. I am informed by Garda Management that personnel levels in all areas are kept under constant review having due regard to operational needs and ensuring that optimum use is made of Garda Resources in order to provide the best possible service to the public. Also, Local Drug Task Force areas continue to be monitored by local Garda management in conjunction with the Garda National Drug Strategy Implementation Group.