Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

164. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 492 of 1 October, the total number of Gardaí assigned to the Divisional Drugs Unit in County Kildare; the number of divisional drugs units that are operational across the State; the number of Gardaí assigned to each unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42663/13]

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

As I have previously stated, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, throughout the organisation and I have no direct function in the matter. This allocation of resources is constantly monitored in the context of demographics, 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.

All Gardaí have responsibilities in the prevention and detection of criminal activity whether it be in the area of burglary, drug offences or otherwise. I can assure the Deputy that An Garda Síochána continues to pro-actively and resolutely tackle all forms of drug crime in this jurisdiction. The Garda National Drugs Unit works closely with dedicated Divisional and District Drug Units and other national units in targeting persons involved in the illicit sale and supply of drugs.

I am informed by the Commissioner that there are 317 Gardaí, 29 Garda Reservists and 28 Civilians assigned to the Kildare Division and two of these Gardaí are specifically assigned to Divisional Drugs Unit. I have further been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the personnel strength of each Divisional Drugs Unit on 31 August 2013, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was as set out in the table hereunder: