Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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86. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if all necessary resources will be made available to An Garda Síochána in Drogheda, County Louth, in view of the serious and concerning criminal activity that has taken place over the past number of days (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47528/18]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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As I stated in my response to the Deputy's Topical Issue debate earlier this week, I am very much aware of the impact that the type of criminal activity that took place in Drogheda last weekend can have on a community. I understand the concerns being expressed by the people of Drogheda and other areas of Louth and this type of criminal behaviour will not be tolerated.

It is important to note that it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for the distribution of Garda resources, including personnel, among the various Garda Divisions and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter. However, I am advised that Garda management keeps the distribution of these resources under continuous review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the optimum use is made of these resources in Drogheda, and indeed in all parts of the country.

In relation to the specific incidents referred to by the Deputy, I am advised that An Garda Síochána are conducting full investigations into each case and as such it would be inappropriate for me to comment while these investigations are ongoing.

However, I have been informed by An Garda Síochána that Gardaí have put in place a policing operation to prevent, detect and mitigate against any further escalation of violence. In addition to cancelling all Garda leave in the Louth Division for the next two weeks, the operation will entail high visibility patrols, supplemented by personnel from the Regional Armed Support Unit; Community Policing Units; District Detective and Drug Units and Divisional Roads Policing Unit.

An Garda Síochána have further advised that they will continue to make every effort to disrupt the activities of any groups who may be involved in these incidents, to arrest and prosecute offenders and deny access to the road networks for those involved.

In relation to drug related crime, it is important to say that An Garda Síochána remains resolute in its determination to act against those within society who pose a significant threat to the welfare and well-being of our citizens and the communities they serve. A core focus of the work carried out by An Garda Síochána is aimed at tackling drugs and organised crime. The continued disruption of the supply of all illicit drugs remains a priority for An Garda Síochána and the other state agencies tasked with responsibilities in this regard. Liaison is also ongoing between An Garda Síochána and other relevant stakeholders, including the Local Authorities and Tusla / HSE to name but a few.

For its part, the Government is firmly committed to supporting An Garda Síochána and ensuring that the organisation is appropriately resourced. The resources available to An Garda Síochána have reached unprecedented levels, with provision made in Budget 2019 of more than €1.6 billion, including an allocation of €95 million for overtime.

It is also the case that the unprecedented investment now being made in Garda ICT infrastructure of €342 million between 2016 and 2021 will enable An Garda Síochána to deliver on reform, work more efficiently and deploy the latest cutting edge technologies in delivering professional policing and security services for the community.