Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 712: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will seek assurances from An Garda Síochána that the Tallaght Garda Drugs Unit is properly resourced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2181/09]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I am advised by the Garda authorities that the dedicated Drugs Unit in Tallaght Garda District comprises one Sergeant and ten Gardaí.

The Unit liaises with the Garda National Drug Unit, as well as with District and Divisional Drug Units in adjoining areas in analysing and evaluating intelligence in drug related matters and initiating operations against identified targets in continued efforts to prevent, detect and disrupt those suspected of being involved in the sale and supply and importation and distribution of illegal drugs in the Tallaght area.

In support of this work mobile and foot patrols are carried out by uniform and plain-clothes members. A Mountain Bike Unit is also based in Tallaght District, consisting of ten bikes, which are actively used by members of the regular Garda units and the Community Policing Units. There are also four Juvenile Liaison Officers allocated to the Tallaght area.

In addition, the Garda District personnel are also supplemented, as required, by resources from the Divisional Crime Task Force and the Divisional Traffic Corps.

I am assured by Garda management that they are satisfied with the level of resources currently allocated to the District Drug Unit whose efforts can also be supplemented, if required, by resources from Garda National Units including the Garda National Drugs Unit, the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the National Bureau of Fraud Investigation, the Garda Dog Unit, the Garda Mounted Unit and the Garda Air Support Unit where necessary.

Finally I am further advised that local Garda management constantly monitors criminal activity and crime levels within the District and Division and that the allocation of personnel is kept under regular review to ensure the provision of the appropriate policing service in Tallaght.