asked the Minister for Justice if he has any evidence of a link between increased drug taking and an increase in prostitution in Dublin city.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Drug Addiction.
37.
I am informed by the Garda Síochána that they have no reason to believe that there is an increase in prostitution in Dublin. In any event, I would not be prepared to express any opinion on matters such as those raised in the question. As I mentioned previously in the House, problems associated with drug-taking are matters for the Minister for Health.
Would the Minister consider the introduction of legislation for the compulsory examination of blood samples of convicted prostitutes bearing in mind that the Minister has introduced legislation which carries the order that those suspected of driving under the influence of drink may be arrested, followed by a blood test, followed by conviction? Would he consider introducing legislation which would give the following sequence of events, namely, arrest of the prostitute then, following conviction, that she should have to undergo a compulsory blood test?
The Deputy's question is, I understand, concerned about disease and if any legislation is necessary to deal with disease it would be a question, as I said, for the Minister for Health.
38.
asked the Minister for Justice if any prosecutions have been taken against alleged pedlars of drugs in Dublin; and, if so, how many convictions were secured.
During the past 12 months four persons have been charged in Dublin with unlawfully supplying drugs. Two of these were convicted; the prosecution against one was withdrawn; and the fourth person is still before the court.