Vol. 433 No. 6
75 Miss Harney asked the Minister for Justice if, in view of the widespread abuse of drugs in the greater Tallaght area, she will give the reason the Drug Squad based at Tallaght Garda Station, Dublin 24, was disbanded; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
The Garda authorities inform me that the special Drug Unit at Tallaght has not been disbanded, nor have they any plans to do so. The unit was restructured in June of this year with a strength of one Sergeant and four Gardaí and has its own separate accommodation and the use of a confidential telephone number within Tallaght Garda station. The Unit is under the control of the Detective Inspector at Tallaght who provides the necesary backup from the Detective Unit as required. In addition, of course, the local Unit can also call on the resources and expertise of the Drug Squad based in Harcourt Square. The Unit has been responsible for several significant seizures and prosecutions. In fact, within the past week, it has seized drugs with a street value of £135,000.
The Garda authorities are satisfied with the current operation of the special Drug Unit in Tallaght and the situation is constantly monitored to ensure that all available manpower and resources are used to the maximum advantage.
