Vol. 546 No. 3
350 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation if there has been a notable decrease in the price of heroin in recent months; if the war in Afghanistan is thought to have had an effect on heroin supplies and prices here; and the steps he is taking with other States to ensure that opiate cultivation and production in Afghanistan is severely reduced over the coming months and years as a new administration is formed in that country. [31448/01]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that there has been no noticeable decrease in the price of heroin in recent months and that it would appear the war in Afghanistan has not had any noticeable effect on the present supply or price of heroin in this country.
In the new, but still very unsettled situation in Afghanistan, EU member states and other international partners has begun a review of the question of opiate cultivation and production in that country with a view to assessing how best to address the problem. The question of assistance to farmers, including alternative income generation, to encourage them to reduce their cultivation of illegal drugs will be an important factor. In this context, the Deputy should note that the EU recently appointed a special representative in Afghanistan who is mandated to manage the Union's role in the reconstruction of the country, including co-operation in international efforts to combat illicit drug trafficking.
