Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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441. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if his attention has been drawn to drug pushers selling drugs in the Clonliffe area harassing persons living in the area; the actions being taken to address these issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18487/19]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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I have asked for a report from An Garda Síochána in relation to the specific issue raised by the Deputy and I will be in contact directly when the report is received.

I would also remind the Deputy that An Garda Síochána have a number of intelligence led operations to tackle drugs and other criminal activity in our communities. Responses include the deployment of specialist Garda Units providing a targeted response to specific categories of crime, including the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau where necessary. To support this activity the Government has provided An Garda Síochána with an unprecedented level of resources in recent years including an additional €100 million in 2019 bringing total budget to almost €1.8 billion. This substantial investment is allowing the accelerated recruitment programme to continue in tandem with the deployment of new and leading edge technology to support our front line Gardaí in carrying out their work of delivering a visible, effective and responsive police service to communities including the Clonliffe area and across all Garda Divisions in 2019.