Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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96. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of personnel working within a unit (details supplied); the towns they are based in; the operations that are active; the number of successes they have had to date in 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32679/17]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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I am advised by the Commissioner that Garda Drug Unit personnel are assigned on a Divisional basis and that the Garda Districts referred to by the Deputy is part of the Cavan/Monaghan Garda Division. The number of Gardaí assigned to the Cavan/Monaghan Garda Division on the 31 May 2017, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was 322, 5 of which are assigned to the Divisional Drugs Unit. There are also 12 reserves and 37 civilians attached to the Division.

I am further advised that the Divisional Officer of the Cavan/Monaghan Division commenced a review of drugs offences in the Division. The findings of this evaluation will assist in determining the appropriate Garda strategies and policing plans to disrupt, dismantle and target drug related criminality in the Division. Taking into consideration crime trends and other policing needs, including the allocation of additional resources, this information will inform local Garda management in ensuring the best possible Garda service is provided to the location communities.

During 2016 there were 35 persons arrested in the Cavan/Monaghan Garda Division in connection with 33 seizures of drugs. The locations were in Co. Cavan (Arva, Bailieboro, Ballinagh, Ballyjamesduff, Belturbet, Cavan Town, Cloverhill and Virginia) and Co. Monaghan (Castleblayney, Clones, Monaghan Town and Newbliss). The information in relation to 2017 is not yet to hand and I have requested a further report from the Gardaí. I will forward the details to the Deputy as soon as I receive them.