Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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Question 113: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the staffing levels allocated to the divisional drug units throughout the country as at May 1996 and May 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27393/07]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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In respect of the figures sought by the Deputy for 1996, I am advised by the Garda authorities that the retrieval and compilation of the relevant information for 1996 would necessitate a disproportionate use of time and resources. However, the total personnel strength of each of the 25 Operational Divisional Drug Units as at 31 December 1998 (the nearest date for which figures are readily available) and as at the 31 December 2006 (the latest date for which figures are readily available) was as set out hereunder.

All Gardaí have responsibility, inter alia, to deal with drug related issues as and when they arise. The Deputy will appreciate that, as with any large organisation, on any given day the overall strength of the organisation may fluctuate due, for example, to retirements, resignations etc.

It is the responsibility of the Garda Commissioner to allocate personnel throughout the force taking everything into account. The situation will be kept under review and when additional personnel next become available the needs of the Divisional Drug Units will be fully considered by him within the overall context of the needs of Garda Divisions throughout the country.