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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 17 Dec 1981

Vol. 331 No. 12

Written Answers. - Illicit Drug Usage.

131.

asked the Minister for Justice the steps being taken to combat the reported increase in illicit drug usage.

132.

asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware of the growing availability of heroin on our city streets; and if he is satisfied that enough is being done to deal with the situation.

With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 131 and 132 together.

I am deeply conscious of the fact that there is concern generally, and especially among parents, about drug abuse. The Garda authorities share this concern and are giving a great deal of attention to the prevention and control of this problem. Question No. 132 refers specifically to heroin. The Garda are aware of the growing availability of heroin in this country and take a serious view of this trend.

I propose to outline some of the measures being taken to deal with the drug problem in so far as the Garda Síochána are concerned. Permanent drug squads have been established in Dublin and Cork for a number of years and earlier this year a permanent squad was established in Limerick. As I announced recently, the strength of these squads has been substantially increased and it is reasonable to expect that the increased manpower will bring about a significant improvement in the prevention and detection of drug abuse. Additionally a special investigation unit drawn from the serious crime squad at the Garda Technical Bureau has been set up to monitor and investigate drug trafficking into the State.

A unit has also been established at Garda headquarters to co-ordinate efforts for better detection and prevention techniques, to compile information on statistical trends, substances and methods of distribution and to direct action accordingly. The unit also maintains close links with other agencies, both here and abroad, concerned with the control of drugs.

Greater emphasis is being placed on the training of gardaí to deal with drug abuse, and advanced training courses are at present in operation at Garda headquarters. The objective of the courses is to provide in each Garda division substantial numbers of members trained in the latest techniques of detection, prosecution, monitoring, surveillance and prevention. I should mention that drug investigation is included as part of the standard induction training of every member of the force.

The number of break-ins at pharmacies and similar premises is a matter of particular concern. I was in touch with the commissioner in regard to this matter and he recently circulated instructions to the force aimed at counteracting this problem. Among the measures to be taken are a review of security at such places by crime prevention officers. The Garda authorities expect that if pharmacists and hospitals carry out recommended security measures this would reduce considerably the availability of drugs on the illicit market.

The Garda authorities are, of course, keeping the drug abuse problem constantly under review. I should make it clear, however, that the problem is not simply a police matter. The misuse of drugs is, I believe, primarily a social problem and other agencies and, most importantly of all, parents, have perhaps an even greater role to play than the Garda in combatting this problem, which is at the heart of so much human misery.

I am also aware that my collegue, the Minister for Health, is reviewing the law in relation to penalties for drug-pushers who, in my view, must be seen as "lepers" even among the criminal community.

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