Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)
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Question 485: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of full-time gardaí dedicated solely to dealing with the problem of drugs in County Tipperary. [28634/07]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that the strength of the Divisional Drugs Unit in Tipperary, as of 31 December 2006, the latest date for which figures are readily available was seven. All gardaí have responsibility, inter alia, for dealing 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.