Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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1540.To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí specifically allocated to the drugs unit in the Cavan-Monaghan Garda division; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32162/24]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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Tackling serious and organised crime is a key priority for me as Minister for Justice, and I am committed to ensuring that An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs to ensure communities around Ireland are safe and feel safe.

The unprecedented allocation of over €2.35 billion for 2024 to An Garda Síochána demonstrates the Government's commitment to ensuring An Garda Síochána has provision for the equipment, technology, facilities, fleet and personnel it needs to carry out its vital policing work. This funding has enabled the Garda Commissioner to assign extra resources to the specialist units involved in tackling organised crime.

As the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, as well as for decisions on the deployment of personnel among the various Garda Divisions. As Minister, I have no role in these matters.

However, to be of assistance I have sought the information requested by the Deputy from the Garda authorities. I am informed that, as of 31 May 2024, there are 20 members assigned to the Drugs Unit in the Louth/Cavan/Monaghan Division. The unit consists of four Sergeants and 16 Gardaí.

Please note that this information is based upon operational data which has been provided by An Garda Síochána and is liable to change.

I am assured that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review, in the context of crime trends and policing priorities.

Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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1541.To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality for an update on the cyber-crime unit in Cavan; the stage of development of this unit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32163/24]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The Government is committed to taking measures to combat and prevent cybercrime.

There is close cooperation across the whole of Government on this issue, including between An Garda Síochána and the National Cyber Security Centre.

I recently had the opportunity to visit the Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau (GNCCB) and thank the highly skilled Gardaí first hand for the very important work they do.

As the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including the distribution and stationing of Garda members throughout the State, including to specialist units within the organisation. As Minister, I have no direct role in such matters.

I can however assure the Deputy that the Government is committed to ensuring that An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs to fight crime. The 2024 allocation provides a budget of over €2.35 billion to An Garda Síochána, representing a 25% increase since 2020. This unprecedented budget will strengthen the work of specialist units within An Garda Síochána such as the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau and Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau (GNCCB).

As part of Budget 2024's unprecedented allocation, €155 million has been allocated for digital capital investment and IT. I am satisfied that the Cybercrime Bureau are constantly developing their expertise and capability in this vital field and the tools they are currently deploying are cutting edge. Crucially they also cooperate closely with overseas partners in combatting this borderless crime.

I am informed that to date, four GNCCB hubs have been established and are fully operational at locations in Cork, Galway, Wexford & Mullingar. I am also informed that all hubs currently operating are engaged in cybercrime forensics; along with front-line investigation advise and support roles.

Two additional hubs are to be established including one in the old Garda Station building in Cavan Town. I understand that the Cavan project is currently at the design stage and that subject to necessary planning permission and necessary construction works, it is envisaged that the hub will commence operations in Q1 2025 at the earliest.

Furthermore, I am advised that earlier this year, the GNCCB concluded a competition for Garda Sergeants and members, resulting in panels of successful candidates. I am also advised that these panels include candidates who will fill positions within the Cavan Hub.

Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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1542.To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda asset profilers attached to each Garda division, as of 15 July 2024, in tabular form. [32291/24]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) is a multi-agency statutory body established under the Criminal Assets Bureau Act 1996. The Bureau’s remit is to target a person's assets, wherever situated, which derive, or are suspected to derive, directly or indirectly, from criminal conduct.

Since its inception in 1996, the Bureau has been at the forefront of fighting organised crime in Ireland, disrupting the activities of criminal gangs through the removal of their ill-gotten gains and has been recognised as a world leader in asset investigations, tracing and forfeiture. Since the establishment of the agency it has denied and deprived criminals of over €210m.

I am advised by the Bureau that the table at the link below shows the number of Divisional Asset Profilers trained by CAB by Garda Division. Information supplied is operational and subject to change.

I am also advised that some Profilers may have transferred or been promoted since completing training. A full review of Divisional Assets Profilers is underway and is likely to result in an amendment to total number of Profilers per Division when complete.

">Number of AGS trained Divisional Asset Profilers