Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 475: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of vessels and ships that were searched in Donegal and Sligo since 1 January 2009; the amount of drugs found by these searches; the number of meetings that were held between the drugs units and the regional task force between 1 January 2009 to 30 June 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28795/09]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy will be aware, Revenue's Customs Service has primary responsibility for the prevention, detection, interception and seizure of controlled drugs at ports of entry into the State. I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that Customs continually assesses the risk along the Sligo and Donegal coast for the illegal importation of drugs and patrol the coastline on an ongoing basis. A number of ships have been targeted since 1st January 2009. However the Revenue Commissioners have advised that it is not policy to publish details of such enforcement activities as this could prejudice current or future operations. I am further informed by the Garda Authorities that there have been three meetings with the Regional Drugs Task Force by the Divisional Drug Units up to 30 June 2009.

Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 476: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the total number of full-time staff assigned to drug detection and surveillance in counties Donegal, Sligo and Mayo in 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28796/09]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I am advised by the Garda authorities that the total number of full-time staff assigned to drug detection and surveillance in Counties Donegal, Sligo and Mayo in 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009 is as set out in the following table:

Garda personnel assigned throughout the country, together with overall policing arrangements and operational strategy, are continually monitored and reviewed. Such monitoring ensures that optimum use is made of Garda resources, and the best possible Garda service is provided to the general public. It is, of course, the case that all members of An Garda Síochána have a role in relation to all aspects of law enforcement.

Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 477: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of staff assigned to other work from the drugs unit in 2007 and 2008 on a county basis; the number of visits made by drugs units to second level schools in County Donegal in order to give talks to students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28797/09]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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In the time available it has not been possible to provide the information requested by the Deputy. I will communicate further with the Deputy when the information sought is to hand.