Derek Nolan (Galway West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 150: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the resources that have been allocated to the Garda Drug Squad in Galway; if this number has decreased in recent years; the measures being taken to address the drug problem in the city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24437/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the number of personnel specifically assigned to the Garda Drug Unit in Galway on 30 April 2009 and 30 April 2012 was 13 and 12 respectively. The total Divisional strength on each of those dates was 590 and 582 respectively.

The problem of drug misuse is tackled in a coordinated and integrated way under the National Drugs Strategy 2009-2016.

The Strategy seeks to address the harm caused to individuals and society through drug misuse by tackling the problem in a comprehensive and integrated way and by implementing what is known as a pillar based approach. This approach incorporates a wide range of measures targeted at drug supply reduction, prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and research.

There is ongoing cooperation between the Garda National Drugs Unit and local Garda Drugs Units to ensure that a coordinated and effective approach to drug law enforcement is in place. Both the Garda National Drugs Unit and the Divisional units are supported in their work by officers from other national units such as the Organised Crime Unit, the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation and the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation. An Garda Síochána also has strong and strategic partnerships in place at international level targeting drug trafficking.