asked the Minister for Justice whether there is any evidence of an increase in the illegal use of heroin in Dublin city.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Drug Abuse.
46.
The illegal use of heroin has been on such a small scale that there can be relatively very big changes in its use over short periods, due for instance to the illegal importation of a single consignment, supplies from which would last for a short period.
The available information is insufficient to enable any firm conclusion to be drawn about long-term trends.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that there is a report in the Irish Independent today about a student from Ghana who imported drugs to sell here and, despite the threat by the justice that he would impose the harshest penalties on drug pushers, this man was fined only £25?
I am not so aware but, even if the Minister were aware, this is not a matter in which he could intervene, as the Deputy well knows.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary not aware of the increase in the use of Chinese heroin in the centre of the city over the past three months? Has he no figures?
No. As I stated in the reply, it is not possible to come to any firm conclusion. As a result of a particular importation at a particular time there may well be an increase, but that declines as the supply runs out. I can assure the Deputy that the Minister and his Department have a common concern in this particular area and the position will be kept under the closest possible observation.
Has the Parliamentary Secretary any figures as to the number of arrests for the illegal possession or selling of heroin?
One person was arrested on the 7th January, 1972. No person was charged in 1971.