Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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1069.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; where this unit is based at present; and if she will make a statement on the matter.[34105/24]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy is aware from my previous answer to this question on 23 July 2024, tackling serious and organised crime is a key priority for me as Minister for Justice. 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 sought the information requested by the Deputy from An Garda Síochána and have been advised that this information cannot be shared under security grounds.

I am informed that it is the experience of the Garda National Drugs & Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB), that such information is invaluable to local drug trafficking networks and can at times be taken into account when active in their respective criminal enterprises.

I am also informed by the Garda authorities that this information can facilitate the identification of all officers deployed full time on such duties, and in turn the work patterns of such officers.

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