Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 January 2026
1672. Deputy Charles Ward asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of Gardaí, by rank attached to Donegal Divisional Drugs Unit as of 8 December 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [74922/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution and stationing of Garda personnel throughout the State under Section 33 of the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024 and is independent in his functions under Section 34 of the Act.
I am advised that, as of 30 November 2025, the strength of Donegal Divisional Drugs Unit was as below.
|
Rank |
Sergeant |
Garda |
|
Strength |
1 |
10 |
Tackling drug dealing and targeting the work of organised crime groups, who inflict intimidation, violence and misery on families and communities, is a top priority for the Government and my Department.
A number of key actions have been taken as part of our plan to tackle illegal drug use. These include:
• Increasing the maximum sentence for conspiracy to murder from 10 years to life in prison to tackle those who direct gangland and drug related crime;
• Enacting new laws to criminalise the grooming of children into a life of crime;
• Drafting new laws which will provide for the use of facial recognition technology in the investigation of certain drug offences;
• Rolling out a support programme to break the link between the gangs and the children they try to recruit.
My Department is also working to introduce legislation to further strengthen the State’s ability to seize criminal assets and to target the proceeds of crime. The new Bill will also speed up the process to dispose of seized assets for the benefit of the State.
In addition to the legislative and other measures introduced by my Department, unprecedented funding has been provided to An Garda Síochána which has enabled the Commissioner to assign extra resources to the specialist units involved in tackling organised crime.
