Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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Question 648: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if adequate numbers of gardaí are available to combat the drugs problem with particular reference to the areas throughout the country that are currently most seriously subjected to the activities of drug dealers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1289/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that An Garda Síochána is committed to pro-actively targeting groups and individuals engaged in organised criminal activities, including the sale and supply, importation and trafficking of drugs at international and local levels. To this end, An Garda Síochána makes use of intelligence-led operations and tactics, including those of specialist national units. As a result of these operations, a number of individuals (including members of criminal groups) are before the Courts charged with serious offences, including the importation, sale and supply of drugs. The monitoring of such groups is ongoing and kept under constant review.

I have further been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the personnel strength of the Drugs Unit broken down by Division on 31 November, 2011, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was as set out in the table hereunder:

In addition to the Divisional units, the Garda National Drugs Unit has a total of 44 Gardaí of various ranks attached to its Dublin Office.

The allocation of all resources, including personnel, is a matter for the Garda Commissioner in consultation with his senior management. Garda Management closely monitors the allocation of resources in the context of crime trends, policing needs and other operational strategies in place on a District, Divisional and Regional level, to ensure optimum use is made of Garda resources, and the best possible Garda service is provided to the public.