Tony Gregory (Dublin Central, Independent)
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Question 439: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if additional gardaí have been allocated in recent years to K district, Dublin metropolitan area west, and above what normally applies in view of the high incidence of gangland drug related crime in this district; the number of gardaí stationed in K district in 1987 and in 2007; the number normally allocated to a similarly sized rural district with little or no gangland crime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28124/07]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the information requested in relation to the personnel strength of the K District in 1987 is not readily available and can only be obtained by the disproportionate expenditure of Garda time and resources relative to the information sought. The personnel strength of the K District for each year end from 1997 — 2006 inc, and 31 October 2007 which is the latest date for which figures are readily available, was as set out in the table.

The next allocation of Probationer Gardai will take place on the 23rd November 2007. The needs of the Dublin Metropolitan Region Western Garda Division, which includes the K District, will be fully considered in this allocation within the overall context of the needs of Garda Stations, throughout the country. In reply to Question 241 of the 24th October 2007, I gave a detailed breakdown of Garda personnel strength in each Division in the country.

Tony Gregory (Dublin Central, Independent)
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Question 440: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will ask the Garda authorities to urgently examine the need to base a dedicated drug unit in the Finglas Cabra area in addition to that based in Blanchardstown as requested by the Cabra Community Policing Forum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28125/07]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities that the District Drug Unit for Blanchardstown Garda District, which includes the sub-Districts of Finglas and Cabra, is based at Blanchardstown Garda Station. The Unit currently comprises one Sergeant and nine Gardaí, who are drawn from each of the Garda sub-Districts. Ongoing liaison is also maintained with the Garda National Drugs Unit in respect of persons suspected of being involved in the illegal importation and / or distribution of drugs.

The Deputy will be aware that resources such as the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation and the Criminal Assets Bureau are also deployed extensively in dealing with drug crime and the detection and prevention of drug related crime is, of course, a matter for all members of An Garda Síochána. The increases taking place in the overall strength of An Garda Síochána will continue to 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.

As the Deputy will appreciate, policing operations and the deployment of Garda resources are matters for the Garda Commissioner. It is the responsibility of Garda management to allocate personnel within the Garda organisation on a priority basis in accordance with overall policing requirements. The assignment of Garda personnel throughout the country, together with overall policing arrangements and operational strategy, are continually monitored and reviewed. Such monitoring ensures that optimum use is made of Garda resources, and the best possible Garda service is provided to the general public.

In such a context, I am further informed by the Garda authorities that the proposal to establish a dedicated drugs unit in the areas referred to by the Deputy is under consideration by senior Garda management in the current preparation of An Garda Síochána's policing plans for 2008.