Richard O'Donoghue (Limerick County, Independent)
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598. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of persons arrested and charged with possession of drugs for sale or supply within Limerick Garda division in 2020 and to date in 2021, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8141/21]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I am assured by the Garda authorities that the occurrence and prevalence of crime and anti-social behaviour, including drug dealing, is constantly monitored at national and local level by Garda management to ensure that appropriate policing responses are designed and delivered as appropriate.

The below tables, furnished to me by An Garda Síochána, contain the number of incidents reported to An Garda Síochána, for the period in question, in the Limerick Division which have been recorded as ‘Possession of Drugs for Sale or Supply’.

Reported ‘Possession of Drugs for Sale or Supply’ incidents for the years 2020 & 2021 YTD – Limerick Division.

Reported ‘Possession of Drugs for Sale or Supply’ incidents for the years 2020 to present with one or more associated charge or summons to date – Limerick Division.

I am informed that these figures were based on collated data from the PULSE system as of 11 February 2021.

The Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB) has lead responsibility in tackling all forms of drug trafficking and the supply of illicit drugs in Ireland and is supported by Divisional Drugs Units, which tackle drug related crime on a local basis throughout the country. I am further informed that Divisional Drug Units are now established in every Garda Division.

Since its establishment in March 2016, GNDOCB has been responsible for the seizure of a total of 133 firearms, 209 million worth of illicit drugs, 5,516 rounds of ammunition and €21.7 million in cash. In 2020 alone, GNDOCB has seized 36.7 million worth of illicit drugs, 23 firearms, 2,131 rounds of ammunition, €8 million in cash and have made 228 arrests.

An Garda Síochána also remains committed to tackling the supply of drugs by supporting local communities through various preventative and detection initiatives and engagement with local and regional Drug and Alcohol Task Forces; the Garda Youth Diversion Programme and Projects; the Garda Schools Programme; the Joint Policing Committees and Community Policing Fora.

The Deputy will also be aware, the Department is developing a community safety policy, which is aimed at ensuring communities are safe and feel safe, through the establishment of inter-agency structures called Local Community Safety Partnerships. These proposals are contained in the Policing and Community Safety Bill, which is being worked on at present in my Department and the proposed approach will be rolled out and tested in three pilot locations this year.

Richard O'Donoghue (Limerick County, Independent)
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599. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of cars, jeeps and motorcycles attached to the Limerick roads policing unit as of 31 December 2019 and 8 February 2021, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8142/21]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The Garda Commissioner is by law responsible for the management of An Garda Síochána and deployment of resources. This includes responsibility for personnel matters and the distribution of personnel across the various Garda Divisions, including Roads Policing Units. As Minister, I have no role in these matters. I am assured however that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities, to ensure their optimum use. I am advised that the responsibility for the efficient deployment of all official Garda vehicles in each Division is assigned to the Divisional Officer, who may allocate vehicles between Stations as required by operational circumstances.

The Garda Commissioner established the Garda National Roads Policing Bureau to ensure a consistent approach to road safety and enforcement of road traffic legislation across the country. This is achieved through coordination of enforcement and development of policy based on research and analysis of statistics and by engaging in campaigns in partnership with other State agencies.

I understand that in addition to a focus on the lifesaver offences of speeding, seatbelts, mobile phones and driving under the influence, Divisional Roads Policing Units work closely with other relevant Divisional Units to target known criminals and to disrupt their activities through strict enforcement of road traffic legislation.

The table below, furnished to me by the Garda authorities, shows the breakdown of vehicles attached to the Roads Policing Unit in Limerick Division as of the dates requested by the Deputy.

Limerick Division – Roads Policing Duty