171. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the degree to which An Garda Síochána continue to have sufficient resources at their disposal to meet the threats of organised crime and drug/people trafficking notwithstanding the recent spectacular success in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44452/23]

172. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice if she remains satisfied that adequate surveillance resources have been allocated to An Garda Síochána to combat the threat of drug and people trafficking; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44453/23]

Helen McEntee, Minister for Justice: I propose to take Questions Nos. 171 and 172 together.

The Government is committed to building stronger, safer communities and this is reflected the unprecedented allocation of over €2 billion to An Garda Síochána in 2023 and 2024, up 23 per cent since 2020.

Given the global nature of the drugs trade, international law enforcement co-operation remains a key element in the overall response. An Garda Síochána has strong and strategic partnerships in place at international level targeting drug trafficking and play a leading role in international efforts to combat transnational organised crime groups. 

While the Deputy is aware, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, which includes all operational policing matters, I am informed that An Garda Síochána works closely with relevant law enforcement agencies such as INTERPOL and Europol and participating in the Maritime Analysis Operations Centre for Narcotics (MAOC-N) based in Lisbon.

The deployment of Garda Liaison Officers has also proven to be an effective and practical form of interagency cooperation between police services. It has supported the exchange of information and the coordination of operations across borders.

Last year, the Government approved the expansion of the Garda Liaison Officer Network, following a request from the Garda Commissioner. This expansion created two new posts for Garda Liaison Officers; the first in Abu Dhabi and the second in Bangkok. These posts are in addition to existing positions situated in Madrid, Paris, London, The Hague, Washington DC and Bogota.

An Garda Síochána also continues to pro-actively and resolutely tackle all forms of drug and organised crime in this jurisdiction. The Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB) continues to lead on the policing strategy for tackling drugs and works with Divisional Drug Units nationwide. These units are also supported by other national units, including the Criminal Assets Bureau, in targeting persons involved in the illicit sale and supply of drugs. There is a co-ordinated use of Garda resources in tackling all forms of organised crime, including illicit drug /people trafficking activity. This vital work is having significant success in disrupting drug trafficking and the supply of illicit drugs by organised crime groups.

Operation Tara, which has a strong focus on tackling street-level dealing across the country, also seeks to disrupt and dismantle the drug trafficking networks that impact on our communities and prosecuting those involved, at every level.

I understand that Gardaí recently seized over €100,000 in drugs and arrested one man as part of an Operation Tara search in Dublin last month. The Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB) has also had significant, sustained success in disrupting the supply of illicit drugs by organised crime groups. In August, there was a seizure of €163m worth of suspected cocaine and cannabis in Dublin by the Dublin Crime Response Team.

I am further advised the allocation of resources is kept under continual review and account is given to commitments and undertakings in the Annual Policing Plan and the priorities in the context of the requirements of all Garda Divisions nationwide with respect to local and national crime trends and workloads; policing arrangements and operational strategies.

I understand the situation remains closely monitored by the Senior Leadership Team to ensure optimum use of all Garda Resources in providing the best possible Garda service to the community.