763. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of Gardai assigned to the drugs unit in each Garda division at present and in each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4355/26]

Jim O'Callaghan, Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration: The Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána under Section 33 of the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024. This includes determining the manner in which members of garda personnel are to be distributed and stationed throughout the State. The Commissioner is independent in his functions under Section 34 of the Act and I, as Minister, have no role in these matters.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that as of 30 November 2025, the latest date for which figures are available that there were 323 members in total assigned to Divisional Drugs Units.

The attached table sets out the total number of Gardai assigned to each Divisional Drug Unit over the past three years. I will forward information on previous years when available from Garda authorities. It should be noted that the table reflects the Divisional reconfigurations that occurred as part of the transition to the Garda Operational Model in the time period covered.

Excel spreadsheet - https:/data.oireachtas.ie/ie/oireachtas/debates/questions/supportingDocumentation/2026-01-20_pq763-20-01-2026_en.xlsx