asked the Minister for Justice the number of convictions in the past 12 months for drug pushing; and the amount of the penalty imposed in each case.
Ceisteanna—Questions Oral Answers. - Drug Abuse.
112.
In 1972, up to 10th November, three persons were convicted of unlawfully supplying drugs. One defendant was given the benefit of the Probation of Offenders Act, one was given a three months' suspended prison sentence and the third was sentenced to six months' imprisonment.
I might add that ten persons who were convicted during the period on charges relating to the possession of drugs are considered by the Garda to have been engaged in the unlawful supplying of drugs. The amount of drugs found in those cases pointed to that conclusion though evidence to sustain charges of unlawful supplying was not forthcoming.
Can the Minister say if there are any prosecutions pending?
There are several.
113.
asked the Minister for Justice the number of convictions of persons found in possession of dangerous drugs in this country in each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
As regards the years 1967 to 1970, I would refer the Deputy to the reply given by me to a similar question on 29th April, 1971 (No. 40).
In 1971, three persons were convicted for unlawfully supplying drugs and 82 persons were convicted for unauthorised possession of drugs. The corresponding figures for 1972, up to 10th November, are three and 108.
As I pointed out in reply to a question on Tuesday last the Drug Squad has been almost doubled in strength recently and it will be strengthened further over the next few months.
Is it intended to place personnel with training in this particular field throughout Ireland?
They are there already. What we refer to as the drug squad are those who are stationed in Dublin, but there are approximately 30 trained men in the provinces as well.