Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 24 September 2026
390. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the current whole-time-equivalent strength of the divisional drugs units in the Cork City and Cork/Kerry divisions in each of the years 2021 to 2025 and to date in 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67944/26]
View answer393. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of nominated Garda Inspectors currently assigned to the Drug Related Intimidation Reporting Programme in the Cork City and Cork/Kerry divisions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67942/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 390 and 393 together.
Tackling the scourge of drug dealing and targeting the actions of organised crime groups that inflict intimidation, violence and misery on families and communities across Ireland remains a top priority for the Government and my Department.
An Garda Síochána continues to operate the Drugs Related Intimidation Reporting Programme with nominated Inspectors in each Division throughout the country, including the Cork City, Cork County and Kerry Divisions, to support victims of drug-related intimidation.
An Garda Síochána have published contact details for nominated Inspectors under the Drug Related Intimidation Reporting Programme, at the following link: www.garda.ie/en/crime/drugs/drug-related-intimidation-reporting-programme-inspectors-june-2026.pdf
I am advised that An Garda Síochána maintains a coordinated and effective approach in protecting communities, individuals and their families from the harm and pain caused by drug abuse, associated violence and intimidation. I can assure the Deputy that I will continue to support Gardaí in their efforts in this regard.
The Garda authorities have provided the following table detailing the strength of the Divisional Drug Units for Cork City, Cork County and Kerry Divisions from 2021 to 31 August 2026:
|
Division |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
2026 |
|
Cork City |
23 |
19 |
17 |
23 |
26 |
21 |
|
Cork County |
- |
- |
- |
17 |
19 |
22 |
|
Cork North |
8 |
8 |
7 |
- |
- |
- |
|
Cork West |
7 |
7 |
6 |
- |
- |
- |
|
Kerry |
15 |
15 |
12 |
11 |
11 |
10 |
