Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Question 356: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the budgetary provisions for the tackling of drugs and crime by the Garda, the national drugs strategy, the local drugs task forces and the community projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4477/09]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The Garda National Drugs Unit is the primary unit within An Garda Síochána charged with responsibility for drug supply law enforcement. I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the personnel strength of the Garda National Drugs Unit on 31 December 2008, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was 60.

Since the publication of the Government's National Drugs Strategy 2001-2008, Garda resources 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 total strength of the Divisional Drug Units as at the same date above was 341.

Both the Garda National Drugs Unit and the Divisional units are also supported in their work by officers from other national units such as the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Criminal Assets Bureau and the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation. Furthermore, all Gardaí have responsibility, inter alia, to deal with drug related issues as and when they arise.

I am further informed by the Garda authorities that the total running cost of the Garda National Drugs Unit (GNDU) in 2008 was approximately €5.3m. In addition, the resources used by the Divisional Drugs Units, Divisional Task Force Units and Community Policing Units towards fighting drug crime around the country are estimated at approximately €25m per annum. The overall Garda budget for this year is €1.589 billion. Priority will continue to be given to frontline policing including targeting resources at serious and organised crime including drug trafficking.

In relation to the budgetary provisions for the National Drugs Strategy, the local drugs task forces and the community projects which they support, as the Deputy will appreciate, that is a matter which comes under the remit of the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.