Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 419: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Gardaí involved in the detection and prosecution of drug-related crime in the Wicklow division; if any Gardaí have received special training in relation to this type of crime; if the recent new recruits allocated to this division have received specialised training in this type of crime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7620/08]

Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 420: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Gardaí involved in the detection and prosecution of drug-related crime in the Kildare/Carlow division; if these Gardaí have received special training in relation to this type of crime; if the recent new recruits allocated to this division received specialised training in this type; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7621/08]

Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 421: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Gardaí involved in the detection and prosecution of drug-related crime in the Louth/Meath division; if these Gardaí have special training in relation to this type of crime; if the recent new recruits allocated to this division have received specialised training in this type of crime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7622/08]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 419 to 421, inclusive, together.

I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that on 31 January 2008 (the latest date for which figures are readily available), one Sergeant and 12 Gardaí were attached to the dedicated Divisional Drug Unit in the Wicklow/Wexford Division. The personnel strength of the Wicklow/Wexford Garda Division on 31 January 2008 was 364.

On 31 January 2008, one Sergeant and seven Gardaí were attached to the dedicated Divisional Drug Unit in the Carlow/Kildare Division. The personnel strength of the Carlow/Kildare Garda Division on 31 January 2008 was 403.

On 31 January 2008, two Sergeants and 12 Gardaí were attached to the dedicated Divisional Drug Unit in the Louth/Meath Division. The personnel strength of the Louth/Meath Garda Division on 31 January 2008 was 532.

All members of An Garda Síochána are tasked with enforcing the law, including drug-related legislation, with training provided by the Student/Probationer School at the Garda College and ongoing education programmes delivered by Continuous Development trainers located in every Garda Division.

Members of An Garda Síochána from the Louth/Meath and Carlow/Kildare Divisions have undergone training in the area of test purchasing with the Garda National Drugs Unit to facilitate the running of initiatives under Operation Cleanstreet, which targets on-street drug dealing within these Divisions, and to upskill other members within the Divisions. This training programme is being rolled out to other Garda Divisions nationwide.

Training modules in relation to drug detection are part of all Detective Training Courses and Sergeants' Promotional Development Programmes. However, the development of such skills is primarily gained from experienced Garda members and as such this component of training is facilitated by the policy of Student Garda placements with relevant specialist units.

The Garda National Drugs Unit and Criminal Assets Bureau both run a number of specific training programmes, for selected members in Divisions, which can have direct influence on drug detections.

The following is the drug-related training provided to all Student/Probationer Gardaí.

Phase I

Student Gardaí, as part of the Student/Probationer Education/Training and Development Programme, are instructed on drug offences and drug legislation. While the majority of this training deals specifically with the Misuse of Drugs legislation 1977-2006, it is recognised that the subject cannot be dealt with in isolation and therefore elements of drug enforcement and prosecution are included in further training, dealing with Treatment of Persons in Custody, Evidence and Court Procedure, arrests, warrants and searching of persons and vehicles.

Phase II

As part of Phase II Experiential Training, Student Gardaí spend a week long placement with a Divisional Drug Unit where they gain valuable experience in the investigation, detection and prosecution of drugs offences.

Phase III

As part of the Phase III Student/Probationer Education/Training and Development Programme, Student Gardaí receive further training in respect of the Misuse of Drugs legislation. The intervention is at a deeper level of instruction and builds on what the Student Garda learned on Phase I and experienced on Phase II. The intervention is delivered using facilitative teaching techniques that encourages discussion and interaction among Student Gardaí.

Along with the formal instruction on Phase I and Phase III and the experiential learning on Phase II, Student Gardaí are also involved in the completion of Case Study assessments where they are required to develop investigation files for assessment purposes. This contributes greatly to their learning.

Phase V

A Superintendent from the Garda National Drugs Unit (GNDU) provides an input to Phase V Probationer Gardaí on drug detection and the role of the GNDU.