John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 477: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí assigned to the traffic corps in the Mayo Garda division with a breakdown of their ranks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34864/07]

John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 478: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí assigned to the drugs unit in the Mayo Garda division with a breakdown of their ranks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34865/07]

John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 479: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans to expand the drugs unit in County Mayo following the recent drugs seizure on 8 December 2007 in Bofeenaun, County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34868/07]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 477 to 479, inclusive, together.

As at 30 November last, the latest date for which figures are readily available, the number of members attached to the Traffic Corps and Drugs Units in Mayo are as set out in the following table.

The total strength of the entire Mayo Division as at the same date was 314. All Gardaí have responsibility, inter alia, to deal with drug and traffic 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 Mayo Division will be fully considered by him within the overall context of the needs of Garda Divisions throughout the country.