John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 522: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he plans to set up a permanent drugs unit in the Mayo Garda division; if so, when it will be in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23788/07]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities that a dedicated Divisional Drug Unit exists in An Garda Síochána's Mayo Division and that the allocation of resources to this unit are closely monitored and kept under constant review by the Garda authorities. In addition, all members of An Garda Síochána are tasked with the enforcement of drug-related legislation.

As the Deputy will appreciate, policing operations and the deployment of Garda resources are matters for the Garda Commissioner. It is and must remain the responsibility of Garda management to allocate personnel within the Garda organisation on a priority basis in accordance with overall policing requirements. However, I can assure the Deputy that additional Garda resources are coming on stream all the time and that these additional human resources will facilitate the Garda Commissioner in the allocation of additional manpower to areas most in need, including the fight against illegal drugs. Furthermore, I can also assure the Deputy that the enforcement of the law relating to drugs and public order continues to be a key element in the Government's policing priorities.