Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 858: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if adequate resources are expected to remain available to the Gardaí to combat the activities of drug barons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27636/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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Since the publication of the Government's National Drugs Strategy 2001-2008, Garda resources generally in the fight against illicit drugs have increased. This is particularly evident with the creation of additional Divisional Drug Units in areas of particular need. These Drugs Units operate in Divisions throughout the country with a primary focus on local drugs activities.

The Garda National Drugs Unit is the primary unit within An Garda Síochána charged with responsibility for drug supply law enforcement. As at 3 July 2008, the personnel strength of the Unit was 63. In addition, the total strength of the Divisional Drug Units is approximately 340.

In addition the Organised Crime Unit, which was established on a permanent basis in January 2008, and now has a manpower of 70, has a specific remit of targeting those suspected of involvement in organised crime, including drug trafficking, importation, sale and supply.

These units are also supported in their work by officers from other national units such as the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation and the Criminal Assets Bureau. In addition all Gardaí are tasked with confronting drugs related issues as they arise.

Internationally, An Garda Síochána works closely with relevant law enforcement agencies including other EU agencies, the Drugs Enforcement Agency (US), Interpol and Europol and has liaison officers based in the Hague, London, Paris, Madrid Europol and Interpol.

In addition, An Garda Síochána will actively participate at the Maritime Analysis Operations Centre for Narcotics, which was recently established in Lisbon, Portugal.

An Garda Síochána will also continue to provide ongoing training programmes for personnel as Divisional Asset Profilers, who have the specific remit of targeting assets of persons who are suspected of being involved in the importation, sale and supply of drugs at local, divisional/district, level.

I am assured by the Garda authorities that all of these available resources will continue to be deployed in targeting the major gangs involved in drug trafficking in accordance with the National Drugs Strategy.